Transnistria Implements Severe Gas Conservation Amid Energy Crisis
Due to critical disruptions in natural gas supplies from Russia, the region of Transnistria has been compelled to impose a strict conservation regime for this vital resource.
According to official statements made on October 2 by the regional head of economic development, Serhii Obolonik, measures are being taken in response to adverse circumstances caused by the need to restore the financial flow of aid from Russia.
He explained that Russian gas supplies to Transnistria will resume only in a week and a half.
During this period, authorities will enforce a strict gas-saving regime prioritizing electricity production for residents and fulfilling household and humanitarian needs.
Obolonik emphasized that after this period, all consumers and sectors in Transnistria—industrial, commercial, and energy-related—will be supplied with gas normally.
This situation significantly impacts the region’s security and development, drawing increased attention from government and international partners since energy security remains threatened.
Historically, late last year, Transnistria faced a gas shortage following the halt of transit through Ukraine.
Consequently, the regional Moldavian power plant shifted to coal, providing minimal energy primarily for household needs.
Earlier this year, the region received €30 million in EU aid to mitigate the energy crisis, which allowed for gas procurement and the import of electricity from Romania for the right bank of Moldova.
Additionally, an agreement dubbed the “Hungarian scheme” was reached between Chișinău and Tiraspol, involving gas supplies financed through a Russian loan and transported via Hungarian MET through Moldovagaz, with payments made by a Dubai-based company.