Moldova braces for blackouts as gas deal with Russia collapses
- Moldova accuses Gazprom of using energy supply cuts as a political weapon due to a debt dispute.
- A state of emergency in the energy sector has been declared in Moldova as it braces for the gas cutoff.
- Authorities are implementing energy-saving measures to mitigate potential shortages this winter.
Moldova is facing an imminent energy crisis as Gazprom, Russia's state-owned energy company, announced plans to halt gas supplies beginning January 1, 2025, citing a disputed debt of approximately $709 million. The Moldovan government has denied this claim, stating that an international audit invalidated the sum and asserting that the actual debt is closer to $8.6 million. As a result, Moldova's parliament has declared a state of emergency in the energy sector, enabling the government to implement stringent energy-saving measures, including a reduction of electricity exports and limitations on power usage in public buildings. The Kuciurgan power plant, which relies on Russian gas and supplies a significant portion of Moldova's electricity, is at risk of operational failure due to the cutoff, particularly affecting the separatist region of Transnistria. Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean criticized Moscow's move as a politically motivated tactic aimed at destabilizing Moldova. He emphasized that the country is prepared for a range of scenarios and will pursue alternatives to its natural gas supply to ensure that citizens have access to necessary energy resources this winter. In light of the crisis, the Moldovan government has begun implementing various energy conservation measures. These include limiting lighting in public and commercial spaces and ensuring that energy-intensive businesses operate outside peak hours. Additionally, the government has been working to diversify its energy supplies in order to reduce dependence on Gazprom and the Kuciurgan plant, following a string of recent crises related to energy security in the region. This situation comes in the backdrop of heightened tensions between Moldova and Russia, particularly as Moldova continues to seek closer ties with the European Union amid claims of Russian interference in its internal affairs. Chisinau's stance against the alleged debt claims reflects its ongoing struggle for energy independence and political stability in a climate that has been significantly influenced by complex geopolitical dynamics.