Moldova expands oil reserves amid gas supply fears

Moldovan power producer Termoelectrica has prepared sufficient crude oil reserves to operate key thermal energy stations for a month and a half, relieving some of the squeeze on the national grid amid its continued reliance on Russian gas imports.

National news wire Moldpress reported September 12 that Termoelectrica will aim to procure a further 190,000 metric tons of oil for electricity generation throughout the coming winter season.

This action is a response to advice issued by Tudor Girbu, a key adviser to the mayor of Moldovan capital Chisinau's mayoral office.

Municipal officials indicated the capital city's economy was well prepared for the winter season, with resources currently running at around 95% of the required level. Girbu predicted existing crude oil shipments would be enough to generate heating energy until the end of November.

Moldova's gas supply is covered through its long-term purchase deal with Gazprom until at least October, though its accumulated debt could prompt the Russian gas export monopoly to terminate the contract, leaving the country dependent on a largely untested gas interconnector to its neighbour Romania.