News about Gas
S.A. Energocom is continuing the process of procuring the natural gas required for the 2026–2027 gas year, in accordance with the procurement strategy approved by the company and the natural gas procurement procedure approved by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
Moldova is preparing a set of measures to ensure the security of natural gas supplies during the 2026–2027 heating season. The plan, developed by the Ministry of Energy, calls for diversifying gas procurement sources, building up necessary reserves, and establishing response mechanisms in the event of emergencies.
The government will determine the amount and mechanism of compensation for the cold season following a decision by the National Energy Regulatory Agency (NARE) on natural gas rates. This was announced by Government Secretary-General Alexei Buz.
Serbia’s largest oil company, Naftna Industrija Srbije (NIS), which is indirectly controlled by Russia through Gazprom and Gazpromneft, has reached an agreement to sell its Romanian subsidiary, NIS Petrol, which owns 19 gas stations operating under the Gazprom brand.
The National Crisis Management Commission has approved new measures to mitigate risks related to electricity and water supply, amid a decline in regional power generation capacity and water shortages in the Dniester River basin.
The Romanian government has reached an agreement with major industrial consumers to voluntarily reduce energy consumption during evening hours amid an energy crisis caused by a severe drought and a sharp drop in water levels in the Danube.
The government will provide support to the public during the cold season and will reimburse part of the expenses associated with rising gas prices. This was announced by Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu.
Russia has begun importing gasoline by sea from Morocco due to a domestic fuel shortage. An oil tanker delivered about 30,000 metric tons of AI-92 gasoline, industry sources told Reuters.
In July, Italy became Europe’s largest buyer of liquefied natural gas (LNG). While many EU countries are cutting back on purchases due to high prices, Rome is banking on building up large reserves ahead of winter.
State-owned enterprises and trading companies ended 2025 with sales revenue of 68.5 billion lei and a combined net profit of more than 3.1 billion lei. Compared to 2024, revenue increased by 16.9 billion lei, or approximately 33%. Total net profit grew more than fivefold, from 570.4 million lei.
The entity responsible for supplying natural gas to the left bank of the Dniester will be required to build up mandatory fuel reserves in time for the upcoming heating season. Previously, the National Energy Regulatory Agency (NARE) extended the status of MoldovaGas JSC as the organization responsible for supplying natural gas to the left bank until December 31, 2026.
Starting August 1, Russia will impose a ban on the export of gasoline, diesel fuel, and a number of other petroleum products, stepping up measures to ensure the domestic market is adequately supplied following supply disruptions in Russian regions. The restrictions will remain in effect until January 31, 2027.
U.S. President Donald Trump said that the new British Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, had promised him that he would begin oil production in the North Sea.
Moldova’s promised energy transformation has not yet brought relief to consumers. Not only has it failed to reduce the burden, but it has also raised new questions: how are rates set, how effectively is money being spent, and why do citizens always bear the cost of reforms? A meeting of the parliamentary committee on the economy, budget, and finance, convened to review the National Energy Regulatory Agency’s (ANRE) report on its work over the past year, clearly demonstrated the deep divide between the official rhetoric of energy independence and the economic reality that the opposition is trying to expose.
The week began with a decline in natural gas prices on the European exchange. According to quotes from July 27, 2026, natural gas was trading at 58.94 euros/MWh, compared to 63.58 euros/MWh on July 24. Thus, the price fell by 4.64 euros/MWh, or approximately 7.3%.
UPDATED. Representatives of several parliamentary and non-parliamentary opposition parties, along with citizens who had traveled from Chisinau and other parts of the country, held a protest on Tuesday in front of the parliament building against the increase in natural gas rates and the policies pursued by the authorities.
Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu stated that part of the gas rate increase could be mitigated by reducing Moldovagaz’s administrative expenses. A bill has been introduced that is intended to encourage the company to optimize its structure and expenses. In any case, according to the speaker, the government will continue to provide compensation during the cold season.
Prime Minister Vasile Tofan announced that he will convene a cabinet meeting on Tuesday morning to address the situation in the energy sector, amid problems with the supply of diesel fuel and another rise in fuel prices.
Over the course of the week, Energocom JSC held nine auctions to procure natural gas for the upcoming gas year, specifically for the period from October 1, 2026, to September 30, 2027.
The parliamentary and non-parliamentary opposition have announced a new protest against the increase in natural gas rates. The demonstration is scheduled for July 28 in front of the parliament building.
