The Republic of Moldova is dependent on Russian gas, cannot agree on new terms with Gazprom and is trying to defend itself against pressure from Russia.
In the gas dispute with Russia, the impoverished Republic of Moldova warns against taking advantage of its difficult situation.
“This abnormal situation on the gas market should not be used to wrestle obligations in the face of a lack of alternatives,” said Moldova’s Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilita of the German Press Agency on Thursday evening after a meeting with EU representatives in Brussels.
The ex-Soviet republic, which recently declared a state of emergency in view of the severe energy crisis, has so far not been able to agree on terms for a new supply contract with the Russian gas giant Gazprom. It is feared that people in the crisis-ridden country, which is dependent on Russian gas, could sit in the cold in winter.
Moldova is striving for a “normal, predictable relationship with Gazprom that is based on commercial principles,” stressed Gavrilita. “If we can’t do that, we will have no option but to diversify our sources.” The small republic, which borders on the EU member Romania and has been following a pro-Western course since a change of power, received additional aid of 60 million euros from the EU on Wednesday to alleviate the consequences of the gas crisis.
Gavrilita emphasized that it was not about a choice between East and West, but about the best solution for Moldova. According to the media, President Maia Sandu also said that every effort would be made to solve the problems with Moscow.
Russia last threatened Moldova with turning off the gas tap in December if the contract with Gazprom is not extended by then. One of the main points of contention between the two countries is that the current price of 790 US dollars per 1000 cubic meters of gas is too high from Moldova’s point of view. Last year, under a government that was friendly to Moscow at the time, Chisinau paid significantly less – at significantly lower world market prices. In addition, Russia is demanding settlement of unpaid bills totaling 709 million US dollars. Moldova does not recognize the debt in this way.
Moscow is repeatedly criticized for rewarding the Kremlin’s well-meaning countries – such as Belarus – with cheap gas prices. Gazprom critics also suspect that the Russian side has political intentions in view of the plight of Moldova. The Kremlin denies this. Moscow recently referred to the current high demand for Russian gas and the strong international rise in gas prices.
Jane Stock is a technology author, who has written for 24 Hours World. She writes about the latest in technology news and trends, and is always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to improve his audience’s experience.
