Moldova is facing a critical situation in the energy and water sectors, and authorities are preparing to introduce a state of emergency in both areas. President Maia Sandu made the announcement following a meeting of the Supreme Security Council convened to assess risks ahead of the cold season.
Sandu said Moldova remains heavily dependent on imports at a time when international markets are being affected by rising prices and supply disruptions. According to the president, the benchmark European gas price has exceeded €83/MWh, equivalent to around $1,000 per 1,000 cubic meters. Diesel prices have also surpassed $1,500 per ton amid reduced availability of petroleum products.
The president also pointed to disruptions along international routes used to transport liquefied natural gas, including the situation around the Straits of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb, as well as attacks on oil infrastructure in the region.
Dniester Water Levels Raise Concern
Another major concern is the hydrological situation. Sandu said inflows into the Novodnestrovsk reservoir have fallen to an extremely low level.
Between September 1 and 20, the average inflow was reportedly only 23 cubic meters per second, compared with the usual level of around 100–120 cubic meters per second for this period.
“The greatest risk is that we may not have sufficient quantities. That is why the mobilization of all institutions is essential — the economy and citizens must have uninterrupted supplies of energy resources and water,” Sandu said.
Moldova’s renewable energy generation capacity is also growing. According to the president, its share of total consumption has increased from 3% to around 22%, while energy storage capacity has reached 210 MWh. However, meeting peak-hour demand would require storage capacity of approximately 600–1,000 MWh, she said.
Measures Being Prepared
Following the Supreme Security Council meeting, authorities agreed on several measures:
- The Government will prepare contingency plans for different crisis scenarios so institutions know how to respond to potential supply disruptions.
- Import capacity and alternative routes for electricity supplies will be secured.
- The authorities will be able to use the 110 kV interconnections with Romania on an emergency basis.
- Commercial capacity at the Romania-Moldova border will be maximized.
- Reserves of equipment and spare parts will be created for rapid intervention in the event of breakdowns.
- Necessary gas stocks will be secured.
- Emergency stocks of petroleum products will be gradually established.
Moldova already has a state of alert in place in the energy and hydrological sectors. The measures were recently extended by 30 days due to energy risks and drought.
For the 2026–2027 cold season, the Government has previously approved a plan containing 52 measures and scenarios aimed at ensuring uninterrupted supplies of electricity, natural gas, heating and petroleum products.