Moldova cuts govt spending - PM's order

CHISINAU. March 13 (Interfax) - Moldovan Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu has signed an order for government agencies to reduce spending and review procurement plans.

The measure is due to the "tense international economic situation and the growing pressure on energy and fuel prices," Munteanu said on social media.

He said he had "instructed all government bodies and agencies to establish strict control over spending and review the 2026 procurement plans."

"Noncritical purchases will be reduced by at least 10% and spending on official transport and the number of transport vehicles, by at least 20%. The government resources should be concentrated where they are really necessary: in infrastructure, in the functioning of the main government agencies and maintaining economic stability," Munteanu said.

Petrol and diesel prices in Moldova have increased by 8% and 19%, respectively, since the beginning of March, against the backdrop of the crisis in the Middle East.