Moldovan PM Says Country Faces Tough Winter
Moldovan Prime Minister Vasile Tofan said the country faces a difficult winter amid an energy crisis. A 60-day state of emergency has been introduced in the republic's energy sector.
Yulduz Salimov2 min read
Moldovan Prime Minister Vasile Tofan said the coming winter will be a difficult period for the country amid an energy crisis. He made the statement while speaking at the general policy debate of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York.
On Saturday, a 60-day state of emergency took effect in the republic's energy sector. It was approved by parliament at an extraordinary session at the government's request due to the threat of a shortage of energy resources.
"Yes, a difficult winter awaits us. It is our duty as a government to prepare and to help those who need it most. That is exactly what we are working on and what we are discussing here with our partners," Tofan said.
Rising Gas Tariffs
Moldova's energy sector has operated under a state of emergency in recent years due to the risk of fuel supply disruptions and its dependence on imported electricity. The situation is compounded by repeated increases in energy prices: before the energy crisis the tariff was around four lei, but by autumn it had exceeded 20 lei (around $1.15) per cubic metre.
From 1 October, Moldova expects another gas price increase — of roughly 30%, to 26 lei (around $1.5) per cubic metre. Experts and the management of energy companies link the tariff revision to purchases by the state company Energocom, which buys fuel on the European spot market at 800–830 euros (around $890–920) per thousand cubic metres instead of through direct long-term contracts.
Consequences for Moldova and Transnistria
After Ukraine stopped transiting Russian gas to Europe, and with Chisinau unwilling to pay its debt to Gazprom, Moldova and Transnistria were left without "blue fuel" at the start of 2025. While Chisinau received energy resources from European countries — which was reflected only in higher tariffs for the population — Tiraspol found itself in a complete gas blockade.
In Transnistria, a regime of rolling power cuts was in effect until February, and multi-apartment buildings had no heating or hot water at sub-zero temperatures outside.
Source: ria.ru
