Transnistria snubs EU aid, opts for Moscow-backed gas deal
Russian separatists from Transnistria have rejected 60 million euros of EU aid for gas supplies and instead opted for a loan from Moscow. The new supplier is the Hungarian company MET Gas and Energy Marketing AG, according to "Rzeczpospolita."
The Prime Minister of Moldova, Dorin Recean, announced that Transnistrian authorities turned down the European Union's financial support for purchasing gas. The European offer, totaling $63 million, was intended to protect against energy blackmail. Ultimately, Transnistria chose to rely on a Russian loan.
The Hungarian company MET Gas and Energy Marketing AG, part of the MET group founded by the Hungarian company MOL, will deliver the resource to Moldova's borders. Moldovagaz, the Moldovan state operator, is also involved in this process. The head of the unrecognized Transnistrian Moldovan Republic expressed gratitude to the Russian Ministry of Energy for its assistance.
Gazprom halted deliveries
Transnistria has been dealing with a gas shortage since the beginning of the year. Gazprom stopped supplies to Moldova due to an outstanding debt of $709 million. Pro-Russian separatists suggested that the community keep warm by lighting bonfires. In mid-January, Gazprom announced it would purchase gas on the open market, but the situation remained critical.
The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, offered assistance to Transnistria, but this offer was not acknowledged. Naftogaz did not extend the contract for the transit of Russian gas, meaning the resource will not pass through Ukraine, as President Zelensky emphasized. Meanwhile, Transnistria is compelled to seek alternative supply sources.
