Moldova intends to liberalize gas market from April 1, 2026 - energy ministry

CHISINAU. Sept 10 (Interfax) - The National Agency for Energy Regulation of the Republic of Moldova (ANRE) plans to allow major gas consumers to purchase it on the free market starting from April 1, 2026, the Moldovan Ministry of Energy said.

"By October 1, 2025, the National Agency for Energy Regulation of the Republic of Moldova (ANRE) will approve a schedule for the gradual liberalization of the market, so that large consumers will enter the free market no later than the end of the next heating season - April 1, 2026 - and all consumers will have access to a price comparison tool, an online tool that will allow each consumer to compare offers from gas suppliers and decide to switch suppliers," the ministry wrote on its website.

The ministry also said that the state-owned Energocom had replaced JSC Moldovagaz as Moldova's gas supplier from September 1 and was purchasing gas on the free market.

"Since 2023, Moldovagaz's work of purchasing gas on the wholesale market has been carried out by Energocom," the ministry wrote. This is due to the fact that Moldovagaz is affiliated with Gazprom and was therefore deprived of the right to purchase gas on international markets. "Previously, Energocom conducted purchase and sale transactions with Moldovagaz "in mirror (Mirror Trading)" meaning it procured gas only upon orders from Gazprom's subsidiary. Now, with it being clear that Energocom will take over gas supply without Moldovagaz's intermediation, the company has established a clear strategy for gas supply in the Republic of Moldova," the ministry said.

In 2024, Energocom purchased over 830 million cubic meters of gas at an average price of $444 per 1,000 cubic meters. It purchased natural gas from eight EU companies as well as on the Romanian Commodities Exchange (BRM), with over two thirds of the volumes supplied by Romanian companies - OMV Petrom, Romgaz, Engie Energy România and BRM.