The Ministry of Energy of Moldova allowed the resumption of gas purchases from Gazprom

The head of the Ministry of Energy of Moldova, Viktor Parlikov, said that the republic can resume gas purchases from Gazprom (MOEX: GAZP) for the right bank of the Dniester. According to him, this will be possible if gas prices are favorable.

The minister clarified that in 2023, Moldova did not purchase Russian gas for the right bank, because “there was no point,” since it was more profitable to buy it on the exchange. Thanks to this, the republic saved about €60 million, says Mr. Parlikov. He assured that there is “no political decision” prohibiting purchases from Gazprom.

“If the price is better, then we can buy from Gazprom.” Such a scenario is not excluded. I’m not saying that we will do this, but I don’t rule it out either. But if the price on the stock exchange is more profitable, then why overpay Gazprom? We, first of all, proceed from the price so that the tariff for the end consumer is as low as possible,” said Viktor Parlikov (quoted by Interfax).

In October 2021, Moldovagaz and Gazprom signed a contract for the supply of 3.3 billion cubic meters. m of gas. Its main condition was the repayment of debt by Moldova, which Gazprom, together with penalties and fines, estimates at $709 million. In September 2023, following an audit conducted by the Norwegian Wikborg Rein Advokatfirma and the British Forensic Risk Alliance & Co, the Moldovan authorities announced their readiness pay $8.6 million to Gazprom refused recognize the audit as reliable. The Moldovan authorities offered the company to enter into a settlement agreement.

Details – in the material “Kommersant” “Moldova offered peace to Gazprom”.

Laura Keffer