Romania could deliver russian gas to Moldova

Romania could deliver Russian gas to Moldova

Newsroom 11/09/2014 | 09:16

Andrian Candu, the Moldovan economy minister, said on Wednesday that his country could receive Russian gas through Romania, if Ukraine will cut off the supply, according to Itar Tass newswire. As soon as the Iasi-Ungheni pipeline will be put in use, Moscow and Bucharest could reach an agreement to deliver Russian gas through Romania, according to the official.

“This will increase our energy security if gas transit through Ukraine stops,” Candu said. He did not provide further details but said this issue had been discussed last week during Russian Gazprom Board Deputy Chairman Valery Golubev’s visit to Chisinau.

Candu said the project to connect the Moldovan gas transportation system to the European network via Romania was not directed against Gazprom but was designed to diversify energy supplies to Moldova.

The Moldovan Economy ministry also announced on Wednesday that the European Union will supply EUR 10 million for the expansion of the Iasi-Ungheni pipeline to Moldova’s capital Chisinau.

Last week, president Traian Basescu said that he hoped that by 2020, Romania will be able to cover its needs for gas, as well as Moldova’s, ensuring the energy independence of both countries.