Romania Announces Public Tender for Iasi-Ungheni Pipeline

Romania's National Agency for Mineral Resources has announced a public tender for the contruction of the Iasi-Ungheni natural gas pipeline. Two weeks prior, the Republic of Moldova announced a public tender to build 11 kilometers of the pipeline that will run through it.

The Iasi-Ungheni gas pipe will allow for Romania to export gas to the Republic of Moldava and represents an important element in the policy of Republic of Moldova to become independent from Russia.

Historian and publicist Gheorghe Cojocaru said in a broadcast of Radio Free Europe broadcast in Moldova's capital, Chisinau: “The project has a strategic importance for the Republic of Moldova aiming to really ensure its energy security, so vulnerable today in relation to the risk factors from the other side of the Nistru River.”

Romania has allocated €10 million for building the 32.2 km long pipeline, the winner being determined after an open tender by the best price criterion.

The duration of the execution contract is for six months from the pronounced date, allowing works to begin before September 2013.

The pipeline will provide a flow of 1.5 bcm yearly.