The breakaway region of Transdniestria in Moldova has been severely affected after Russia cut off its gas supplies, leaving it without heating and hot water. The region’s industrial companies have shut down except for food producers, which are ensuring the basic needs of residents. With limited gas reserves lasting only 10 days, the local energy company has urged families to keep warm by gathering in one room and using electric heaters.
Moldova’s long-standing dispute with Russia over gas payments has led to this crisis. The ex-Soviet republic aims to cut its energy consumption by a third and import more than 60% of its needs from neighboring Romania. The head of Moldovan national gas company, Vadim Ceban, is willing to help purchase gas from European countries to ease shortages.
The end of Russian gas transit has been described as “one of Moscow’s biggest defeats” by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who urged the US to supply more gas to Europe. The US has denied responsibility for the loss, blaming European states and the American economy for their decision not to renew a five-year deal with Russia.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/breakaway-moldovan-regions-power-plant-switches-coal-after-gas-cutoff-2025-01-02