The Government of the Republic of Moldova has declared a state of alert in the energy sector at the initiative of the National Crisis Management Center of Moldova, amid rising oil prices triggered by the war in the Middle East.
The Cabinet approved the decision. Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu said the government aims to ensure fuel and electricity supplies and strengthen supply routes.
“This is a global crisis that affects everyone, including us. We immediately activated our security protocols, convened the National Crisis Management Center, and worked with all relevant ministries and agencies on a plan, taking into account further scenarios. Uncertainty is very high, and we must consider the possibility of further escalation,” Munteanu said.
The measure will apply for 60 days. The state of alert includes preventive measures for public institutions to help authorities prepare proportionally to the current global context and continue ensuring citizens a safe and stable living environment.
“In the context of recent developments in the Middle East and their potential implications for the Republic of Moldova, the CNMC convened a series of operational meetings with representatives of 13 relevant public institutions and carried out a risk analysis in three priority areas: energy security and supply routes; economic impact, including price developments; and state security and citizens’ safety,” CNMC officials stated.
The alert will serve as a preventive mechanism and will define specific, time-limited actions to manage potential risks.
Among the measures, authorities will ensure minimum reserve stocks of petroleum products, with a focus on the terminal at the Port of Giurgiulesti. They will also condition electricity exports from renewable sources during certain time intervals to protect the national system and prepare for the start of the agricultural season, which involves high diesel consumption.
“Energy and petroleum product supplies continue under normal conditions. The adopted measures are preventive and organizational, designed to avoid any disruption. We urge citizens to trust the authorities and avoid excessive purchases, as the state of alert was introduced precisely to guarantee sufficient stocks and prevent possible shortages,” the CNMC press service said.
By Friday, March 6, at 10:00, responsible institutions must present the actions they will undertake within timeframes ranging from 10 days to three months.