The European Union has provided Moldova with phased assistance to support energy security. The first step involved the use of 20 million euros for the emergency purchase of gas for the Transnistrian region until 10 February. After this, 60 million euros would have been available for the energy supply of the breakaway region until mid-April. However, Tiraspol refused this supply and the conditions to access it, arguing that consumer tariffs would increase.
Nevertheless, as Dorin Recean, Moldova’s Prime Minister, announced, “Moldova will not block the gas supply” because “it will not let people freeze on the left bank.” According to him, they will allow the transit of gas from the Moldovan border to the Transnistrian region based on a contract signed by Moldovagaz with a Hungarian trader, with advance payment.
There had been discussions about Hungarian companies participating in the gas transport, which was ultimately realised through the MET Group’s subsidiary responsible for South Eastern European markets. MET Gas and Energy Marketing can deliver gas to the Moldovan border, while the transports are paid for by Dubai-based JNX General Trading.
The supply of gas from the European aid to the Transnistrian region for the period of 1-10 February has concluded, and the first delivery from MET could take place on 13 February. For 11-12 February, Moldovagaz could sell two million cubic metres of gas to Tiraspoltransgaz and borrow another three million cubic metres, which must be returned by 31 March.