The first consignment of crude oil provided by the Government of Romania reached Chisinau on May 30. The 1,300 tonnes of crude oil form part of the humanitarian assistance that includes about 16,000 tonnes of crude oil intended for preventing situations of risk in the energy sector. According to Romanian Ambassador in Chisinau Marius Lazurca, the Government of Romania offers assistance with the aim of reducing the burden of power consumption in Moldova, IPN reports.
“We want this crude oil to help ensure the country’s security and create better conditions for heating homes. The crude oil will be used by the thermoelectric plants of Moldova to produce heat, warm water and electricity,” stated the diplomat, noting that the crude oil was allocated from the state reserves of Romania.
Deputy Prime Minister Gheorghe Brega said the crude oil will solve two problems: the reserve of crude oil for emergencies in the municipality of Chisinau and the provision of assistance for socially-deprived families. About 40,000 families will benefit from the aid provided by the Government of Romania. The final decision as to the use of the crude oil will be taken by an intergovernmental commission.
Director of the Agency for Material Reserves Nicolae Hancu explained that the crude oil from the state reserve is over five years old and will be burned in winter, according to instructions. This will be replaced by the Romanian crude oil, which is of a better quality. The heating costs of socially-deprived families will be partially compensated by the state with the Romanian humanitarian aid. The size of compensation is not yet known.
The Government of Romania decided to offer Moldova humanitarian assistance to the value of over €7 million. This consists of flour, pasta, canned meat, maize, vegetables, sugar and crude oil.
