Moldovan President Sandu doubts Gazprom will lower gas prices for the republic

KISINAU, September 26 – RIA Novosti. At a briefing Monday, Moldovan President Maia Sandu expressed doubts that Gazprom will reduce the republic’s gas cost from 1 October.

The contract between Gazprom and Moldovagaz provides two formulas for calculating gas prices. From April to September, the cost consists of 70% of the monthly average gas price for the previous month (TTF front month) and 30% of the price of the oil basket. From October to March – 70% of the cost falls on the oil basket and 30% – on the average gas price.

“In the energy sector, we have no guarantees that Gazprom will fulfill the contract with Moldovagaz. According to this contract, from October 1, the price of gas for consumers from Moldova should be significantly reduced, it is Gazprom’s duty to comply with contractual obligations, “said Sandy. He emphasized that the authorities are ready for any scenario and that citizens will receive state aid this winter.

Moldova is experiencing an energy crisis due to rising energy prices. Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Spinu said that the authorities plan to reduce gas consumption in winter by at least 15%. At the same time, they developed and discussed a plan that included turning off street lighting, lowering the central heating temperature, and transferring schoolchildren and students to distance education. On August 1, the Moldovagaz company began to disconnect consumers who did not pay on time for natural gas supply services.

In October, Moldovan authorities agreed with Gazprom to extend the contract for gas supply to the republic in 2022, subject to inspection of Moldovagaz debt. “Gazprom” said that, taking into account the situation, it was decided to sign the contract practically according to the terms of the Moldovan side, but it depends on the timely payment of 100% of the current payments.

After the results of the SCO summit in mid-September, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Gazprom and Russia have always fulfilled and will continue to fulfill their obligations under gas contracts. The head of state stressed that there has never been a failure here and never will be.