Dmitry Peskov. Photo: Evgenia Novozhenina / Reuters
Russia has declared its readiness to buy natural gas for unrecognised Transnistria on the European spot market, but only if Moldova ensures its supply and contracting. This was announced by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Thursday, 16 January, Moldova1 reports.
Assistance subject to conditions
“Moscow is ready to provide assistance to Transnistria,” Peskov said, adding that the implementation of this plan requires actions on the part of Moldova to ensure logistics and the conclusion of contracts. So far, he said, Chisinau has not voiced its official position on this issue.
Procurement in the European market
According to the Russian media, after the termination of gas transit through Ukraine, Russia intends to purchase about 3 million cubic metres of gas per day for Transnistria through the mediation of Natural Gaz D.C. These volumes should cover only the “republic’s” domestic consumption, but will not be enough to export electricity to Moldova.
Financial aspect
The transactions will be financed from the Russian budget. Given the price of gas at the Dutch TTF hub, the purchase could cost $515-530 per thousand cubic metres. In total, Russia plans to spend about $164 million (16.8 billion rubles) on supplies by the end of April.
