Bulgaria promises aid to Moldova after Russian gas supply halt

Bulgaria has confirmed its readiness to provide Moldova with gas supply assistance following the anticipated termination of Russian gas deliveries from 1 January 2025, Bulgarian Energy Minister Vladimir Malinov announced.

For many years, Russia used its gas prices and supplies as a mean of political leverage. Gazprom will stop supplying gas to Moldova on January 1 over disputed debt, which Moldova’s Prime Minister denies. In the wake of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Bulgaria diversified its gas sources and supply routes, reducing dependence on Russian gas.

Speaking at a press conference on 30 December, Malinov said he had discussions with his Moldovan counterpart following Gazprom’s announcement.

“We are in constant communication with Moldova’s energy minister. They count on us, and we are ready to support them with secured access to both liquefied natural gas and through the public supplier Bulgargaz whenever they request this assistance,” Malinov said.

The Minister noted that approximately a month ago, Moldova and Bulgaria signed a memorandum on crisis response cooperation in the energy sector.

Earlier this month, Moldova’s parliament approved a 60-day national state of emergency beginning 16 December, in anticipation of a potential cutoff of Russian gas supplies from 1 January.

Moldova receives Russian natural gas via Ukraine, which has said it will not extend its transit contract with Russian gas giant Gazprom.

Related:

You could close this page. Or you could join our community and help us produce more materials like this. We keep our reporting open and accessible to everyone because we believe in the power of free information. This is why our small, cost-effective team depends on the support of readers like you to bring deliver timely news, quality analysis, and on-the-ground reports about Russia's war against Ukraine and Ukraine's struggle to build a democratic society. A little bit goes a long way: for as little as the cost of one cup of coffee a month, you can help build bridges between Ukraine and the rest of the world, plus become a co-creator and vote for topics we should cover next. Become a patron or see other ways to support. Become a Patron!