Moldova's Energocom begins gas procurement for heating season

CHISINAU. May 22 (Interfax) - Moldovan state-owned company Energocom has begun signing long-term contracts to supply gas to right-bank Moldova for the 2025-2026 gas year, the country's Energy Ministry said.

"As a result of several procurement procedures conducted from April to May, Energocom was able to purchase the first volumes of natural gas for the 2025-2026 gas year based on newly signed long-term contracts. However, some auctions could not be successfully concluded, as the bids received exceeded the cap approved by the company's board, despite low TTF prices," the ministry said.

"Purchasing on the Dutch exchange would have involved significantly higher transportation costs, resulting in a higher final price compared to regional options," it said.

The price and volume of the purchases are considered commercial information and cannot be disclosed without the consent of the parties, it said.

Natural gas procurement is carried out based on a strategy approved by the company's board of directors. The purchase price ceiling is set according to regional stock market indices and approved by the board, which "ensures institutional oversight, transparency and efficiency of the process," it said.

It was previously reported that Energocom may become the main gas supplier for Moldovan consumers after July 31 this year, replacing JSC Moldovagaz (approximately 63% owned by Gazprom ), which may lose its license to supply gas to end consumers after that date.

The National Agency for Energy Regulation (ANRE) made the decision as part of a previously announced selection process for natural gas suppliers, following a recent decision by the regulator to accelerate the separation of the gas transmission system from Moldovagaz. The new deadline of July 31, 2025, is significantly earlier than the originally planned date of September 30, 2026.

Since 2019, Energocom has been responsible for ensuring the security of the natural gas supply in Moldova during emergencies under government decrees. For this reason, Energocom's main activity has been focused on natural gas trading.

Right-bank Moldova has been purchasing gas on the European market since December 2022.

According to Moldovagaz, natural gas consumption in Moldova amounted to 790 million cubic meters in 2024, compared to 657.2 million cubic meters in 2023. During the heating season, monthly gas consumption ranges from 130 to 140 million cubic meters.