Official announcements from Gazprom, Moldovan government, or international arbitration bodies

Gazprom to Cut Gas to Moldova from Jan 1 over Alleged $709 Million Unpaid Debt

Dec 28, 2024, 05:18 PM

Russian energy giant Gazprom announced it will suspend natural gas exports to Moldova starting at 8 a.m. Moscow time on January 1, 2025, citing unpaid debts and contract breaches. Gazprom claims that Moldovagaz, Moldova's state gas company, owes $709 million, while Moldova disputes this, stating the debt is only $8.6 million. The halt in gas supplies is expected to lead to severe power cuts in Moldova, which has declared a state of emergency in the energy sector since December 16. Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean condemned the decision, accusing Russia of using energy as a political weapon. The suspension will also affect the breakaway region of Transnistria, which relies heavily on Russian gas. Moldova is considering taking the dispute to international arbitration. Additionally, Moldova has been preparing for potential power cuts after Ukraine announced it would not extend its gas transit deal with Gazprom when it expires on December 31.