Dorin Jungietu
This was told by Moldovan Energy Minister Dorin Junghietu in an interview with Azerbaijani publication Report.
Transportation costs hinder LNG purchases
According to him, the prospects for long-term cooperation will be determined primarily by the commercial competitiveness of the resource, optimized tariffs for transportation and efficient use of existing routes.
“The ministry forms the strategy and regulatory framework for energy security, while price and commercial procurement decisions are made by licensed market participants in accordance with the current market rules,” Dorin Junghietu explained.
The minister also emphasized that the energy interaction between Moldova and Azerbaijan already goes beyond gas supplies: “The dialog covers oil products, the development of storage infrastructure, renewable energy sources, as well as the exchange of technical expertise”.
Junghietu emphasized that the purchase of natural gas in Moldova is carried out strictly on commercial and market principles.
“State trader Energocom maintains a constructive commercial dialog with the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) and has concluded a framework agreement allowing spot and short-term transactions depending on market conditions. At this stage, according to the national company, a binding long-term supply agreement has not been signed. Logistics and transportation costs along regional routes, which directly affect the final price of gas for consumers, remain a significant limiting factor,” the minister added.
Corridors far and near
Speaking about the potential participation in the Caspian-Black Sea-Europe energy corridor project, Junghietu said: “Moldova considers the Black Sea Green Energy Corridor initiative as a strategically significant regional project. It contributes to the development of interconnections, diversification of clean energy sources and deeper integration with European electricity markets.
From the government’s point of view, such projects improve system resilience, security of supply and create conditions for decarbonization of the electricity sector. Moldova is open to dialog with regional partners and is ready to evaluate possible technical and institutional participation – taking into account the results of the feasibility study and market conditions”.
At the same time, he noted that Moldova considers the already existing Southern Gas Corridor (SGC) as a key regional platform for strengthening energy security, developing interconnectivity and enhancing access to diversified sources of natural gas.
In principle, further integration of the Moldovan gas market into the European infrastructure through the Trans-Balkan/Vertical Gas Corridor remains a strategic priority. This will allow access to competitive transportation capacity and multiple suppliers, including Caspian resources supplied through the SCC system.
Such steps are aimed at improving the sustainability of the energy system and reducing dependence on a single source of supply.
