Acting Moldovagaz head denies co cannot buy gas
CHISINAU. Oct 18 (Interfax) - The acting CEO of Moldovagaz, Vadim Ceban has denied claims that the company cannot make gas purchases because the new members of its management board have not been confirmed.
"Moldovagaz is continuing gas purchases for the cold season. In order to avoid speculation, I want to say that on April 16, 2024 Moldovagaz's management board approved standard documents concerning natural gas purchases for the next heating season on the BRM EST platform. In total, since the summer of 2024, 60 rounds to purchase natural gas have been organized on the BRM EST platform, 18 of which ended with the signing of supply agreements, while 42 were annulled because the price exceeded the threshold declared by Moldovagaz," Ceban said on his Telegram channel.
He said enough gas for consumption in October-December 2024 has been purchased in organized sessions and gas has also been purchased to meet demand in peak periods for the whole heating season.
"The company has the right to make natural gas purchases, which is what it is doing now, acquiring the necessary gas to ensure supplies in January-April 2025," Ceban said.
Ceban issued the statement after Moldovagaz supervisory board member Sergiu Tofilat said the company needs to buy gas for the winter (January-April), but the process is being blocked because a new management board has not been confirmed. This is because Russian gas giant Gazprom's representatives on the supervisory board did not agree to the management board candidates proposed by Moldova's Energy Ministry. The ministry proposed Ceban for the position of deputy chairman and Dorin Junghietu for chairman.
"Moldovagaz has been left without leadership because the Russian side has been blocking the appointment of a new one for three weeks already. Out of nine management board members, only one temporary executive is left, who does not have authority but is listed in public registries with signature rights. According to the charter, decisions are approved by a majority of seven members," Tofilat said.
He said the company needs to buy gas for January-April, but the process is being blocked because there is no one to make decisions.
"So as not to be left without gas, we must appoint an external administration at Moldovagaz. We have sent a bill to this effect to parliament. It should be registered and included in the agenda of the next session of parliament. The blackmail is over, we're already prepared for any tricks on the part of Gazprom," Tofilat said.
Moldovagaz's management board is a collegial executive body made up of nine members appointed for three years on the recommendation of the company's principal shareholders. Under the company's charter, the chairman of the management board is nominated by the Moldovan government and confirmed by the supervisory board, where Gazprom holds the majority of votes.
Ceban has served as chairman of Moldovagaz's management board since September 2019. His contract was renewed in June 2021.