Interview: How Moldova is building a gas market fit for a more uncertain Europe 

How has the global energy crisis affected your work on gas markets in Moldova? 

While Moldova is not importing gas directly from the Gulf, this conflict still affects us because gas transactions and prices are interconnected across international markets. But Moldova is in a much stronger position to respond to external shocks than it was just a few years ago, for three reasons. First, we have implemented the Energy Community acquis and fully implemented the Third Energy Package, including the separation of activities and unbundling. In April this year, just one month after the conflict started in the Gulf, we implemented market liberalisation for large consumers. We deliberately chose the 1st of April, just after the winter season had passed. This gave the market and the industry time to prepare during a period of lower gas consumption and to get ready for the next gas year, which starts on the 1st of October. 

Following liberalisation, ANRE monitors developments on the market every month. Out of the 35 suppliers that we licensed, around half are currently active on the market. There is also growing interest from international and multinational businesses. Companies that are already active in other EU countries have come to Moldova, obtained licences and started doing business here. 

Suppliers report to us on their volumes and the prices at which they supply end users, and we can see a real variety of prices and offers,  demonstrating true competition to the benifit of the consumer. Consumers are also not simply staying with one supplier; they are moving between suppliers and making different choices based on the offers available to them. One particularly important observation is that the prices offered to large consumers are lower than the last-resort supply price, which we approve every month and which is linked to the market and indexed to the monthly TTF price. This is a very clear benefit.  

We have also implemented gas stocks regulation, requiring suppliers to maintain strategic gas reserves. They are required to build up and report their respective stocks by the 1st of November. We are now closely monitoring their progress. These stocks  will ensure that the country has reserves available and time to respond in the event of a disruption or unexpected market developments. 

Finally, we have the infrastructure in place. All interconnection points are bidirectional. The interconnection point with the European Union through Ungheni is now the most heavily used. More than 80% of the gas flowing to Moldova goes through the Iași–Ungheni interconnector, a pipeline that in previous years was a project of mutual interest between the EU and Moldova. 

There have been significant efforts to achieve more competitive tariffs along the Trans-Balkan pipeline. How important is this for Moldova? 

Making this route more competitive was one of the major projects that we worked on together with the Energy Community Secretariat, the European Commission, energy regulators along the route, transport system operators and all the countries involved. Together, we identified where there was scope to reduce barriers and how to make this route more accessible and attractive for suppliers. And we, as a regulator, were part of this process. We believe it will bring significant benefits and further strengthen energy security across southeastern and central Europe. For Moldova it is particularly significant. 

That's in large part because Moldova has completely phased out Russian gas. We need to identify new sources of supply that are reliable and affordable. Physical infrastructure is a huge part of that. It is what allows us to bring gas from different sources to Moldova, to heat our homes and businesses. The Trans - Balkan Pipeline can be a big part of this infrastructure. From the reports we collect from suppliers, we know that more than 10 international suppliers are bringing gas to Moldova, including supplies from the southern part of Europe using LNG terminals in Greece and transported through the Trans-Balkan pipeline. Now, from the beginning of the new gas year, on the 1st of October, suppliers and traders will be able to book capacity on this pipeline for different time horizons. As volumes increase, this can bring direct benefits to Moldova, including lower transportation tariffs. 

There is also another important benefit. Moldova keeps gas stocks in Ukraine, and we use this infrastructure to transport and inject gas into underground storage facilities. So, having an accessible and competitively priced route provides benefits not only for gas supplies to consumers, but also for our broader security of supply. 

 What is driving Moldova's reform progress in gas, and how have you managed to achieve so much so efficiently? 

It is really true that a crisis can turn into an opportunity. Decisions — and sometimes difficult decisions — are more easily accepted by society in a crisis environment.  At that time, we were in a situation where, every month, Gazprom was warning us that, in case of delayed payments, we should be prepared for them to disconnect us. That's not how we should have to discuss our energy supply. This pushed us into action.  

Building gas stocks costs money, and we and the users pay for those stocks. But when a crisis occurs, there is greater acceptance in society that, yes, we need to invest in this. We don't want to be in this situation again. 

We also built up and strengthened the capacities of the authorities. Five or six years ago, they simply were not there. For example, before 2023, there was no ministry specifically dealing with energy. The fact that the majority in Parliament decided that there should be a dedicated ministry was a very wise decision. There are other examples. The National Centre for Sustainable Energy was established through another reform, and energy efficiency measures are financed through the energy efficiency obligation scheme. And, of course, there is the state-owned supplier, Energocom, which evolved from a team of 10 people and today, it is an active regional energy trader and supplier designated with a public service obligation.  These are provisional measures. We are gradually liberalising the market.    

 But the solidarity and support of the international community were crucial. I would particularly highlight the role of the Energy Community Secretariat. When the crisis started, the Energy Community Director visited Moldova and opened an office here — which has now expanded significantly.  I believe very, very sincerely that this closer contact has provided a real connection with developments and needs here in Moldova. It means that what is happening on the ground, and what is needed, can be communicated directly and objectively. Another milestone came last year, when, with the support of the European Union, the office was expanded. This has been very valuable support for us. You cannot do this alone. 

Finally, what do you expect from this year’s Gas Forum, and what do you see as the most important issues to exchange experience on? 

The Gas Forum is a very good space for exchanging experiences and information is the most valuable resource today. With the gas network codes being applied following the 5th of August on the borders between the EU and non-EU countries, the Gas Forum will provide an opportunity to see how they work in practice and to share our experience. 

This comes ahead of the winter season and ahead of the deadline for gas stocks to be built. It's also a good opportunity to look at the situation, see how the regulations have worked, identify where there is room for improvement, what we have done well and where we could do better.