Russia’s state-owned energy giant, Gazprom, has announced it will stop gas supplies to Moldova beginning January 1, 2025, citing unpaid debt as the primary reason. This move could deepen the energy crisis in Moldova, a small Eastern European country already grappling with power shortages and geopolitical challenges.
The Alleged Debt Dispute
Gazprom claims that Moldova owes approximately $709 million for past gas supplies. However, the Moldovan government, led by Prime Minister Dorin Recean, has strongly contested this figure. According to an international audit conducted by British and Norwegian firms, Moldova’s actual debt stands at a mere $8.6 million—a fraction of Gazprom’s claim.
Recean has dismissed Gazprom’s accusations, stating that the alleged debt has been invalidated by the audit, and suggested that the Kremlin is using energy as a political weapon. He emphasized that Moldova is prepared to handle the fallout from the gas cut and is exploring legal options, including international arbitration, to safeguard its national interests.
Impact on Moldova’s Energy Supply
The cutoff will have a significant impact on Moldova’s energy infrastructure, particularly on the Kuciurgan power plant, the country’s largest electricity generator. Located in the separatist, pro-Russian Transnistria region, the plant relies heavily on Russian gas. This facility provides electricity to much of Moldova, making the gas halt a major threat to the country’s energy security.
Moldova, which has historically depended on Russian gas, has been working to diversify its energy sources since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Despite these efforts, the sudden cessation of gas supplies raises concerns about potential blackouts and economic repercussions this winter.
Emergency Measures in Moldova
In anticipation of the crisis, Moldova’s parliament voted earlier this month to impose a state of emergency in the energy sector. A special commission has been tasked with managing the risks associated with the potential gas cutoff. On Friday, the government announced a series of energy-saving measures, including:
- Reducing lighting in public and commercial buildings by at least 30%.
- Encouraging energy-intensive businesses to operate during off-peak hours.
Prime Minister Recean assured citizens that his government is prepared for any scenario, stating, “Our country is prepared to handle any situation that arises following the Kremlin’s decision.”
Geopolitical Tensions and Russian Influence
Moldova’s pro-Western government, led by President Maia Sandu, has accused Moscow of weaponizing energy supplies to undermine the country’s European Union ambitions. Sandu, who secured a second term in office in October 2024, has prioritized reducing Moldova’s dependence on Russian energy and strengthening ties with the West.
The Kremlin, however, denies meddling in Moldova’s internal affairs. Transnistria, a breakaway region backed by Russia, has also declared a state of emergency over fears of losing gas supplies. The region, unrecognized internationally, has been a focal point of tension between Moldova and Russia since its separation in 1992.
A Broader Context: Russia’s Energy Strategy
Gazprom’s decision to cut off gas to Moldova is part of a broader pattern of Russian energy policy in recent years. Since the invasion of Ukraine, Russia has significantly reduced gas supplies to Europe, citing payment disputes and technical issues. European leaders have described these moves as “energy blackmail,” aimed at punishing countries supporting Ukraine.
In response, European nations have diversified their energy sources, relying more on liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the United States and Qatar. Moldova, a candidate for EU membership, has followed suit but remains vulnerable due to its geographic location and historical reliance on Russian energy.
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