Moldova planning to end energy state of emergency on April 25

CHISINAU. April 22 (Interfax) - The Moldovan government decided on Wednesday that it would propose to parliament to end the energy state of emergency on April 25, the government press service said.

"The government will propose to parliament to lift the state of emergency and to declare a state of high alert in the energy sector," the press service said.

The state of emergency was declared on March 25 due to damage to the Vulcanesti-Isaccea power transmission line following Russian strikes on Ukrainian territory. The line transmits about 60% of the electricity supply to the western bank of the Dniester.

Head of the National Crisis Management Center Serghei Diaconu said the line resumed operation within five days. Another reason for the state of emergency was the Middle East crisis, which led to a steep increase in petroleum product prices across the world.

"On the whole, the measures taken by the government helped stabilize the market, reduce volatility, and prevent major disruptions in supplies," Diaconu said.

Nevertheless, it has been decided to keep the state of emergency in place for the Easter season, "when fuel consumption traditionally increases," he said.

It was initially planned to declare the state of emergency for 60 days, but Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu said, "The situation is now stable, deliveries are being made, the system is functioning, and immediate problems have been resolved."

Moldova will shift from the state of emergency to 60-days of high alert in the energy sector.

During that period, the government will continue taking stabilization measures. For instance, exporting and re-exporting petroleum products from the Giurgiulesti international port (PILG) will be allowed only if reserves amount to at least 2,500 tonnes of gasoline and 25,000 tonnes of diesel fuel. In addition, petroleum product importers will submit their individual plans for diesel fuel imports to the National Agency for Energy Regulation weekly for the next 30 days. Energy conservation measures will be implemented, including through the use of street lighting.

Munteanu described the state of high alert as "a preventive measure to allow a rapid response if necessary."