Russian billionaire Igor Makarov, who also holds Moldovan citizenship, says he is ready to help Moldova get through the coming winter and is considering major investments in the country’s energy sector. The businessman, who founded a company with investments in the energy sector and operations in 22 countries, made the statements during the “Novaya Nedelya” program on TV8. Makarov said he gave up his Russian citizenship after the outbreak of the war in Ukraine and currently manages his business from Italy.
“We are ready to help during this period, during the winter season. I know that hospitals do not know how to pay their gas bills, and we are ready to help and cover part of these bills. This will be an act of charity on our part,” the businessman said.
Makarov also said he is interested in developing large-scale gas storage facilities in Moldova. The investment could reach $1 billion, according to his estimates. He said gas storage facilities would allow Moldova to purchase gas when demand is lower and sell it later, including on the European market.
“Any country that wants a stable gas situation needs gas storage facilities. Gas is not needed in summer, so it should be stored, and in winter, when everyone needs it, it can be sold at a good market price. Moldova has an opportunity here. If you build a gas storage facility here, you can then sell the gas in Europe at exchange prices. Moldova would become a market player and could also make money,” Makarov explained.
According to the businessman, the issue of investing in gas storage infrastructure was recently discussed with Prime Minister Vasile Tofan, with Energy Minister Dorin Junghietu also attending the meeting. Makarov said Moldova could become an important link in the region, partly because of its position between the European Union and Ukraine. He believes Ukraine’s gas needs could increase after the war ends.
Makarov said he is also considering supplying gas to Moldova under long-term contracts.
“If we talk about starting gas deliveries, that could happen only next year, but the work needs to start today,” Igor Makarov said.
The businessman said that around three decades ago, his companies also supplied gas to Moldova. He attributed the current energy crisis partly to the war in Ukraine and the conflict in Iran, which he said have contributed to higher energy prices on international markets.
“Obviously, because of the tragedy in Ukraine (…) but also because of the conflict in Iran, the energy world has become very expensive. I have heard the prime minister’s concerns that this winter will be difficult for Moldova. I have offered and said that we can participate,” the businessman said.
Moldova currently purchases natural gas on the European market through exchanges and major traders. According to the estimates presented, the average purchase price during the autumn-winter period could reach approximately €623 per 1,000 cubic meters.
Prime Minister Vasile Tofan confirmed in Parliament on Tuesday, September 22, that he had met with Igor Makarov in Chisinau. The prime minister said the businessman’s visit was linked to discussions that go beyond public appearances.
“Mr. Makarov did not come to Chisinau by chance. He is a man with an interesting history, he is one of our citizens, he holds Moldovan citizenship and, indeed, he is the man who brought Turkmen gas to Europe, including Moldova,” Tofan said.
The prime minister also said Makarov was willing to support humanitarian projects in Moldova.
“I asked him to identify humanitarian projects that he could sponsor here, to cover some bills at hospitals and children’s homes, wherever the need is greatest. He promised to do so,” the head of government said.