CHISINAU, November 27. /TASS/. Gazprom links the solution to the problem of gas transportation through the territory of Ukraine to Moldova to the settlement of the debt for fuel consumed by the right-bank part of the republic, the republic's Energy Minister Viktor Parlikov said at a press conference following his visit to St. Petersburg.
"In my opinion, Gazprom links continuation of gas supplies via an alternative route through Turkey to the settlement of the presumptive debt of the right bank [of Moldova]," Parlikov said.
He noted that Moldova remains on its position and does not recognize the debt of $709 million announced by Gazprom representatives. The minister said that the republic's authorities had previously conducted an audit, according to which the gas distribution company Moldovagaz owes the Russian holding only $8.6 million.
"We have informed the Russian side about this and are waiting for a response," the minister said.
Parlikov noted that under the current contract, Gazprom is obliged to deliver gas to the border of Moldova. At the same time, both parties, according to him, violated the provisions of the contract, so it can be unilaterally terminated by each of them.
The Moldovan side has failed to meet its obligations to settle the debt and accuses Gazprom of violating its obligations regarding supply volumes. According to the minister, if gas supplies to Transnistria are cut off, the region will face a "collapse", and Moldovan consumers will face higher prices for electricity, which the right bank of the Dniester buys from Transnistria at a reduced price. In case of an energy crisis, the Moldovan government has formed gas reserves and also worked out alternative supply routes. However, problems may arise with the payment for gas by Transnistrian energy companies, which are currently using Russian fuel on credit.