Moldova is actively pursuing a diversification strategy for its natural gas supply and is open to working with Azerbaijani companies as potential suppliers, the country’s Energy Minister announced.
According to the minister, Energocom — Moldova’s state-owned energy trader — has adopted a corporate strategy for securing gas ahead of the upcoming autumn-winter period. “The key principle of this strategy is source diversification. We would welcome participation from Azerbaijani companies, but encourage them to closely monitor Energocom’s public tenders or consider initiating direct negotiations,” the minister stated.
He also addressed the status of Moldovagaz, a Gazprom subsidiary, which has been sidelined since 2022 following Russia’s unilateral decision to cut gas volumes. Since then, Moldova has primarily sourced gas through Energocom.
The minister noted that Gazprom’s 50% ownership in Moldovagaz — coupled with the Russian company’s status under international sanctions — has limited Moldovagaz’s ability to purchase gas on the global market. In addition, the company failed to comply with Moldova’s legal requirements aligned with the EU’s Third Energy Package, including separating supply and distribution operations within the designated timeline.
As a result, Moldovagaz has officially lost its gas supply license. On August 5, the National Energy Regulatory Agency (ANRE) confirmed that Energocom will take over the gas supply function as of September 1. Moldovagaz will continue to operate in the gas distribution sector.
ANRE also confirmed that by September 1, a dedicated natural gas supplier for the Transnistrian region will be designated.
https://report.az/en/energy/dorin-junghietu-moldova-invites-azerbaijan-as-gas-supplier-exclusive/