Works on the Ungheni-Chisinau gas pipeline that started Monday could be completed by December 31, as declared by Ministry of Economy state secretary Vitalie Iurcu.
The official noted that the situation with Russian gas transit via Ukraine was uncertain and that Moldova’s gas supply agreement with Russia was due to expire at the start of next year. “Any disruption of this transit for reasons that include the strained relations between Russia and Ukraine puts the future of gas supply to Moldova past that date in jeopardy”, said Iurcu, adding that EU beneficiaries were also at risk.
Iurcu underlined that the Ungheni-Chisinau project aimed at improving Moldova’s energy security by giving our country at least two options. According to him, the Romanian system would connect Moldova to the entire EU gas supply network.
The Ungheni-Chisinau pipeline would have the capacity to meet the whole demand of Moldova. “Gas is mainly consumed in Chisinau, but this doesn’t mean it won’t reach other parts of the country”, said Vitalie Iurcu, clarifying that the pipeline capacity would surpass Moldova’s demand of about one billion cubic meters by 500 million.
