Moldova Mandates Strategic Gas Reserves to Bolster Energy Security

The Moldovan parliament has adopted a draft law to strengthen energy security by obliging the entity responsible for supplying natural gas to the Transnistrian region to create strategic reserves. The new provisions require the reserves to cover at least 15% of the average annual natural gas consumption of final consumers in the region, calculated over the last five years. The law also sets rules for the gradual use of these reserves, with exceeding monthly limits allowed only in justified cases and with the approval of competent authorities.

The document stipulates that the reserves will be built up gradually by November 1, according to a schedule approved by the National Energy Regulatory Agency (ANRE). During the cold season, between November 1 and March 31, the entity responsible for gas supply will report the level of available reserves to the Energy Ministry and ANRE.

The law aims to reduce the risks generated by possible crises in the natural gas sector and to ensure the continuity of supply to final consumers on both banks of the Dniester. The legislative amendments will enter into force on the date of publication in the Official Journal, with some exceptions allowing reserves to be built up gradually before the 2026-2027 heating season.