Moldova
Moldova prepares to open gas market in major step toward EU integration
Moldova prepares big consumers or transition to a competitive, EU-aligned gas market
On 1 April 2026, Moldova will take a significant step toward further integrating with the EU’s internal energy market. That is when the country will phase out regulated gas prices for large non-household consumers -- including power and heating utilities, industrial operators and commercial users -- representing around 55% of national gas demand. In doing so, the Energy Community Contracting Party is opening a large share of its gas market, which is an especially key milestone for a country heavily reliant on imported natural gas for electricity and heat generation.
On 19 February, gas companies, regulators, public authorities, and major consumers gathered in Chișinău for a forum co-organised by the National Agency for Energy Regulation (ANRE) and the Energy Community Secretariat, in preparation for this transition. The event focused on enabling large non-household consumers to adapt to the new market rules.
“Moldova is stepping into an EU-integrated energy future,” said Artur Lorkowski, Director of the Energy Community Secretariat. “Opening the gas market for big gas consumers turns integration with the EU into competition among the suppliers, while ensuring market reforms are implemented in a way that protects vulnerable households.”
Moldova’s reliance on imported gas was laid bare during the 2021–2022 energy crisis, when Russia-induced supply disruptions led to widespread economic and social strain, exposing the risks of dependence on a single supplier. With the support of the Energy Community Secretariat, Moldova has since emerged as one of the frontrunners in advancing market reforms, reducing structural vulnerabilities through deeper integration with the EU’s internal energy market. Moving toward fully market-based pricing on the gas market is a significant step in this direction. It is expected to strengthen competition among gas suppliers, support more cost-efficient and competitive gas supply, and expand access to diversified sources. The phase-out of regulated prices will be gradual — completed for large non-household consumers by April 2026 and for medium non-household consumers by April 2027. At the same time, households, small businesses and essential service providers will still be able to choose between regulated supply and market-based contracts, helping ensure a smooth and consumer-focused transition.
Gas suppliers are increasingly well-positioned to compete in Moldova thanks to new cross-border infrastructure and evolving regional gas flows. Growing gas production in Romania could expand Moldova’s supply choices and fully operationalising the Trans-Balkan Pipeline’s reverse flow would open significant new routes for LNG imports via Greece, further strengthening regional energy diversification.
As gas market opening progresses, ANRE will oversee the liberalisation process, while the Energy Community Secretariat remains committed to supporting implementation, monitoring market performance to ensure compliance with EU rules.
The Forum was organised within the framework of the "Moldova Energy Independence and Resilience” (MEIR) project, co-financed by the European Union.
