Russia halts gas supplies: Gazprom Halts Gas to Transnistria Over Unpaid Debts
CHISINAU, Moldova — On December 28, 2024, Russia’s state-controlled energy company, Gazprom, announced the cessation of gas supplies to the breakaway region of Transnistria in Moldova, effective from January 1, 2025. The decision comes amid an unresolved dispute over financial obligations, rather than the impending expiration of a gas transit agreement through Ukraine.
Gazprom cited Moldovagaz’s failure to meet its payment commitments as the reason for the supply cut-off. “Moldovagaz regularly fails to fulfill its payment obligations,” the company stated, leading to the suspension of natural gas deliveries to Moldova. This action highlights the ongoing tensions between Russia and Moldova concerning energy debts.
Since 2022, Transnistria has been the sole recipient of Gazprom’s gas in Moldova, with the rest of the nation sourcing its energy from European suppliers. This shift followed Moldova’s push towards Western integration under President Maia Sandu, including the initiation of EU accession talks in June of this year.
The impending end of the gas transit deal with Ukraine, set to conclude at the end of 2024, has prompted the Moldovan government to declare a state of emergency for 60 days starting December 16, primarily out of concern for potential humanitarian issues in Transnistria.
Despite alternative routes being available, such as the TurkStream pipeline which could supply gas through Turkey, Bulgaria, and Romania, Gazprom has dismissed these options. The company stands firm on its decision to reduce gas supplies to “0 cubic meters per day,” attributing the move to contractual breaches by Moldovagaz, not transit complications.
Transnistria, recognized internationally as part of Moldova but de facto controlled by Russian forces since the early 1990s, remains economically and politically tied to Moscow. Meanwhile, Moldova’s capital, Chisinau, has accused Russia of conducting hybrid warfare against Moldova, including espionage, as the country aligns more closely with Western values and institutions.
