Moldova takes decisive steps to strengthen gas market resilience ahead of challenging winter

On 29 July, the Moldovan Parliament adopted amendments to the existing Law on natural gas in order to address scarcity and price volatility in the gas market and enhance its preparedness in case of a potential gas supply disruption. For the first time, Moldovan operators will be permitted to store natural gas in neighboring Energy Community or EU countries and harmonized entry-exit tariffs will facilitate cross-border gas flows. The new amendments also enable the Moldovan energy regulator to “force” the unbundling and certification of transmission systems operators under the independent system operator model.

Moldovan Deputy Prime Minister, Andrei Spînu, said: “We are grateful for the strong cooperation and support from the Energy Community Secretariat. Our joint work to strengthen Moldova’s energy security and energy market reforms intensified once the war in Ukraine started, and the newly amended Gas Law is the product of these efforts. With its expert input and unbiased involvement, the Secretariat’s contribution was key to developing the legal framework needed for Moldova to face the challenges of the upcoming winter season.”

Director Lorkowski said: “I commend Moldova for taking a significant step towards building a more secure and resilient energy system in line with Energy Community rules and principles. The Energy Community Secretariat will continue supporting Moldova in withstanding current and future energy challenges and delivering clean, secure and affordable energy to its citizens”.

The new amendments also transpose rules for ensuring wholesale energy market integrity and transparency under the REMIT Regulation and provide the Moldovan energy regulator with the instruments needed to monitor the market and effectively sanction market manipulation and uncompetitive behavior.

The amendments to the Law on natural gas will enter into force upon publication in the Official Journal of Moldova, which is expected in the course of August 2022.