CHISINAU, November 3. /TASS/. Russia is capable of supplying natural gas to Moldova despite Ukraine halting transit through its territory, Russian Ambassador Oleg Ozerov told reporters.
"I read and hear reports claiming that it is impossible, that there are no ways to deliver Russian gas to Moldova. Who told you that? Have you actually approached us? If you haven't reached out to us, naturally, there will be no answer. Drawing conclusions based on your own assumptions about Russia’s capabilities is incorrect," Ozerov said.
Earlier, former Moldovan President Igor Dodon, leader of the country’s largest opposition Party of Socialists, demanded that the government resume gas purchases from Russia. Dodon said he expects the government to report to parliament this Thursday, where he plans to ask Prime Minister Vasile Tofan whether the republic will buy Russian gas. He noted that Gazprom could deliver gas to the Moldovan border at $350 per 1,000 cubic meters, which is significantly cheaper than the fuel the country buys through EU intermediaries.
Earlier, Tofan, who heads Moldova’s pro-Western government, stated he would negotiate gas supplies with anyone except Russia. However, Dodon argued that Moldovan consumers do not support this stance, as they currently pay $900 per 1,000 cubic meters for gas. According to Dodon, his earlier talks in Moscow confirmed the possibility of resuming gas supplies to the republic.
On September 22, the Moldovan Parliament approved a state of emergency in the energy and hydrology sectors, while the government urged citizens to reduce electricity consumption. Moldova is reeling from an energy crisis driven by soaring gas and electricity prices.
Gazprom was forced to halt supplies to the republic in January 2025 after Ukraine banned transit through its territory and Chisinau refused to settle its fuel debt. Since August, the country's gas tariff has surged by more than 80% to 26 lei ($1.50) per cubic meter, sparking protests demanding snap elections.
The crisis has led to reduced power generation at the Moldavian State District Power Plant in Transnistria, which ran on Russian gas and supplied up to 70% of the republic’s needs. Under these circumstances, Moldova has fully shifted to purchasing gas and electricity from European suppliers at higher prices, while power lines periodically fail to handle the load, causing blackouts.