Moldova declares state of high alert in energy sector for 30 days

CHISINAU. July 28 (Interfax) - The Moldovan government at a meeting on Tuesday declared a state of high alert in the energy sector and a hydrological alert for 30 days.

Prime Minister Vasile Tofan noted that the decisions were necessary owing to the risk of disruptions in diesel fuel supplies, as well as the falling water level in the Dniester River.

"A series of crises has occurred at various points in the supply chain, leading to a difficult situation, particularly in the diesel fuel sector," Tofan said.

Tofan added that damage to several terminals in the Black Sea has limited oil exports from Kazakhstan to Romania, including to the Petromidia refinery, which processes a significant portion of the diesel for Romania and Moldova.

Tofan noted that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the risk of further clashes between the United States and Iran are also driving up oil prices.

"The challenging hydrological situation has been another reason for the disruptions. The water level in the Danube has dropped substantially, thus preventing some barges transporting diesel fuel to the port of Giurgiulesti from continuing their journey," Tofan noted.

Tofan added that several filling stations in Moldova are already reporting diesel shortages, which have been reported by farmers currently involved in the harvest season.

"We are declaring a state of high alert not to cause panic, but to act proactively and provide the market with diesel fuel [...] to act proactively and effectively manage the situation," Tofan emphasized.

The government has also declared a 30-day hydrological alert in the Dniester River basin amid a sharp drop in water levels and the risk of disruptions in supplies of drinking water and irrigation systems.

The government's decision took effect immediately after being adopted.