Moldovan PM: EU has provided 30 million euros for Transdniestria gas supply

Moldovan Prime Minster Dorin Recean announced on Monday that the European Union would provide 30 million euro ($31.5million) for the purchase and transportation of natural gas into Transdniestria - the region which has broken away from Moldova.

Since January 1, when Russia's Gazprom stopped gas exports into the region citing a Moldovan debt that Chisinau doesn't recognize as valid, Gazprom has left tens of thousands without winter heating or gas.

Recean stated that the EU will immediately provide financial assistance of 30 million Euros for the purchase the necessary amount natural gas.

Recean announced that Moldova has approved the transfer of 3 million cubic meters more gas to Transdniestria.

Recean confirmed at a press conference that the Hungarian MOL company intends to sign with Moldovagaz a contract to supply gas to Transdniestria.

The announcement follows the Friday statement by the leader of the area, who was gripped by power outages and heating shortages, that the gas reserves will be depleted within days. He urged the central Government to stop "artificial delay" and supply new supplies.

The thermal plant in Transdniestria, which provides most of the electricity in the government-controlled areas of Moldova, will use gas for the production of electricity. The prime minister announced that it will be used to consume in Transnistrian from February 1-10.

Moscow has blamed the suspension of gas supply on pro-Western Moldova, and Ukraine. They refused to extend the five-year transit agreement that expired on December 31 because the proceeds were used to fund Russia's invasion.

Recean stated that "in parallel, the Moldovan Government and the EU work on a two year aid package to improve the energy resilience of all the country."

(source: Reuters)