The Moldovan Government will examine all legally available and economically advantageous options for supplying the country with natural gas, including from the United States, Azerbaijan, Qatar and Turkmenistan. Government spokesperson Dumitru Ciorici made the statement amid public discussions about diversifying Moldova’s gas import sources, Bani.md reports.
According to Ciorici, annual natural gas consumption on the right bank of the Dniester is approximately 700–800 million cubic meters. At current prices on international exchanges, the bill could reach €600–700 million.
“These are ultimately funds paid by citizens and companies in Moldova,” the government spokesperson said.
Against this backdrop, the government says it does not intend to remain exclusively dependent on market price fluctuations and will also seek longer-term contracts and alternative supply sources.
“We will not sit passively watching exchange charts. We will actively look for any serious additional option that could bring Moldova cheaper gas and better terms,” Ciorici said.
He added that the authorities are prepared to consider purchasing US, Azerbaijani, Qatari or Turkmen gas, provided the options are legal, secure and economically advantageous for Moldova.
The government also plans to hold discussions with other governments, as well as gas producers, traders and energy-sector specialists.
“We have only one criterion: the final price for Moldova, security of supply and our energy independence,” Dumitru Ciorici said.
The government spokesperson added that once the talks produce concrete offers, the authorities will make the prices, contractual terms and results of the negotiations public.