Moldova declares high alert in energy sector owing to crisis in Middle East - Energy Ministry

CHISINAU. March 4 (Interfax) - The Moldovan government has declared a 60-day high alert in the energy sector owing to the risk of disruption to petroleum product supplies to the country, including restrictions on petroleum product exports, the country's Energy Ministry said.

"The government resolution introduces temporary conditions for petroleum product exports to maintain reserves at a safe level. Measures are also envisaged to prioritize domestic electricity consumption during peak hours to meet consumer needs and protect the stability of the electricity system. Simultaneously, a temporary regime of consolidated interdepartmental coordination is being introduced for 60 days, with the replenishment of state petroleum product reserves," according to the statement.

The alert is to ensure the continuity of petroleum product and electricity supplies by maintaining petroleum product reserves for the next 30 days of consumption, the document notes.

The Moldovan authorities reached the decision after analyzing the risks to the country's energy supply amid the crisis in the Middle East.

The Energy Ministry also explained that a state of heightened readiness is a preventative measure that allows authorities to coordinate more effectively the actions of responsible institutions to ensure that available energy resources are used to meet Moldova's domestic consumption on a priority basis versus a state of emergency, which implies a strict regime with measures allowing for diversions from current legislation.