Transnistria refuses to purchase gas from the West, awaits help from Russia

The unrecognised region of Transnistria has rejected Moldova's offer of assistance in purchasing gas from European markets, opting instead to wait for Russia's Gazprom to resume supplies.

As reported by IPN, Moldovagaz had proposed to the Transnistrian administration of Tiraspoltransgaz that they assist with gas purchases through European platforms after the region stopped receiving Russian gas on 1 January.

In its response on 2 January, Transnistria's so-called authorities rejected the offer, citing concerns over "higher and unstable" prices on European markets. Tiraspol stated it expects Gazprom to resume deliveries under the existing contract, which remains valid until 2026.

Since 1 January, the unrecognised region of Transnistria has faced a halt in Russian gas supplies, leading to gas outages for tens of thousands of households and a shutdown of local industries.

The Transnistrian authorities urged residents to rely on electric heaters as an alternative, given that electricity remains available due to the Dniester Power Plant operating on reserves of fuel oil and coal.

These reserves are predicted to last until the end of winter, but with increased electricity demand to compensate for the gas shortage and falling temperatures, they may be depleted sooner.

On 3 January, Transnistria introduced rolling blackouts as part of measures to address the crisis.