This is stipulated in a bill that passed its first reading in parliament, with 60 deputies voting in favor. According to the bill, the company responsible for gas supplies to the Transnistrian region is required to gradually build up and maintain certain reserves. These reserves must amount to at least 15% of the region’s average annual gas consumption, calculated based on data from the past five years.
As Vitalie Mytsa, State Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, explained, if the company fails to do so, the National Energy Regulatory Agency (NARE) may fine it an amount ranging from 3% to 7% of its turnover. However, the fine cannot be less than the cost of the gas that the company was required to purchase but failed to do so or mismanaged.
If a critical situation arises for the power grid, emergency mechanisms will be activated.
“We approve an annual action plan for a state of heightened readiness or a state of emergency—that is precisely when these measures will be implemented. The creation of reserves will follow the same procedure as current gas supplies to the left bank, and responsibility for any violations will fall directly on the designated company. We really do not want to resort to sanctions and hope the company will act in good faith,” — noted Vitalie Mytsa.
According to the official, gas consumption on the Left Bank during the cold season ranges from 1.2 to 4 million cubic meters per day. Overall, a reserve of 130–140 million cubic meters needs to be established. However, it is not necessary to store all the gas in physical storage facilities—this can be achieved through contracts for delivery at the required time.
The company “Moldovagaz” was previously designated to be responsible for this process until December 2026. The authorities emphasize separately that these costs will not be borne by consumers on the right bank of the Dniester.
