Russian energy giant Gazprom has announced that it will stop exporting gas to Moldova starting January 1, 2025, due to the country’s outstanding debt. The company’s statement mentioned that it reserves the right to take further actions, including terminating its supply contract with Moldova.
Gazprom supplies Moldova with approximately 2 billion cubic meters of gas annually via Ukraine. The gas is also distributed to the breakaway region of Transnistria, which uses it to generate cheap energy that is sold to the rest of Moldova. With a population of 2.5 million, Moldova is preparing for extended power outages in the coming months, as Ukraine has stated it will not extend its gas transit agreement with Gazprom.
The suspension of gas supply to Moldova marks the beginning of a full halt to Russian gas exports via Ukraine to Europe, as the gas transit agreement between Russia and Ukraine is set to expire on December 31.
