Russia Halts Gas Supplies to Moldova, Escalating Energy Crisis

Gazprom's decision to cut gas flows starting January 1 intensifies Moldova's energy challenges, with disputes over alleged debt and geopolitical tensions at the forefront.

Gazprom announced it will cease gas deliveries to Moldova from January 1, citing $709 million in unpaid debts, a claim Moldova disputes, stating the debt is only $8.6 million based on international audits.
The cutoff will impact the Kuciurgan power plant in Transnistria, which supplies electricity to much of Moldova, raising fears of prolonged power outages during winter.
Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean condemned the move as an attempt by Russia to use energy as a political weapon, pledging to pursue legal recourse, including international arbitration.
Moldova has declared a state of emergency in the energy sector, implemented conservation measures, and diversified gas imports from Romania and other sources to mitigate the crisis.
The situation is further complicated by Ukraine's refusal to renew its gas transit agreement with Russia, effectively ending Russian gas flows to Moldova and several European countries through Ukrainian pipelines.