Gas price hikes and water shortages: Moldova enters state of emergency
A 60-day state of emergency in the fields of energy and hydrology has been introduced in Moldova starting September 26. The parliament approved the government's decision. The authorities explain this measure by the increase in gas prices, the risk of fuel shortages, and a sharp drop in the water level in the Dniester basin.
Moldova has declared a state of emergency due to rising gas prices and water shortages
According to DW, Moldovan Prime Minister Vasile Tofan stated that as winter approaches, three regional crises could impact simultaneously, further worsening the situation.
According to him, due to the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, gas prices have increased by 50 percent compared to the value included in the current tariff calculation. Meanwhile, the reduction of oil refining capacities in the Middle East is increasing the risk of fuel shortages. Moldova already faced such a problem in July of this year.
At the same time, the water level in the Dniester basin, which supplies water to the Chisinau agglomeration of 700,000 residents, has dropped to a dangerous level.
Prior to the government's decision, a meeting of the Supreme National Security Council was held on September 21 under the chairmanship of President Maia Sandu. It ordered the preparation of an action plan to take prompt measures in case of unexpected situations.
The state of emergency grants the National Commission for Crisis Management the right to quickly purchase equipment without tenders, and to make mandatory temporary decisions on the import, export, and distribution of energy resources.
The commission can set priorities in electricity supply and limit water consumption. In the event of a sharp increase in prices, it is also authorized to temporarily change rules regarding tariffs, taxes, and excises.
The pro-Russian opposition Socialist Party opposed the state of emergency. The leader of the party's faction, former President Igor Dodon, accused the government of attempting to conclude secret contracts and implement non-transparent schemes through this regime.
According to the publication, during the state of emergency, holding protests previously announced by the party is also prohibited. The Socialists proposed immediately starting negotiations with alternative energy suppliers, primarily Russia.
Energy expert Sergiu Tofilat called this proposal populism. In his opinion, Gazprom has no technical capability to supply gas to Moldova: the only real current route, the TurkStream, is fully booked with existing contracts.