Average price of Russian gas for Moldova in 2015 to be $46 cheaper than in 2014
CHISINAU. Nov 11 (Interfax) - Moldova and Russia have signed an agreement on supplies of natural gas for 2015 at $331.8 per 1,000 cubic meters, while the average price in 2014 was $378.
Agreements on the extension of the contract for gas supplies to Moldova for a year and the transit of gas across the territory was signed on Tuesday by Deputy CEO of Gazprom , Alexander Medvedev, and CEO of JSC Moldovagaz Alexander Gusev.
Moldovan Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Adrian Candu said at the signing ceremony: "The contract is the result of many efforts, which ended with success for Moldova."
"The contract comes into effect on January 1. This means that we could provide stability in energy resources as well as for the energy security of the country. This is especially relevant in the current context of the regional situation. The current price is an achievement, and we will be very categorical in our conversation with representatives from the National Agency for Energy Regulation, so that the fall in prices is felt in their pockets and those of consumers," he said.
Medvedev said that the fulfillment of the contract depends not only on Moldova and Russia.
"The documents were signed in accordance with market conditions. This will allow Moldova to be sure that the gas will reach its consumers in accordance with the contract. And we, knowing how Moldova operates in transport, are confident in the safe supply of gas to the Balkans. Everything does not depend on us, but the recently signed agreement with Ukraine allows us to hope that it will also fulfill its obligations regarding transit, as well as for gas payments," the Gazprom deputy CEO said.
Medvedev said that the development of bilateral relations between Russia and Moldova in the field of using gas as motor fuel was also discussed.
Moldova annually uses about 1.2 billion-1.3 billion cubic meters (bcm) of natural gas. With account of Transdniestria, this number rises to 3 bcm. For 2013 the volume of gas being transported via Moldovan territory to the Balkans exceeded 19.6 bcm.
Moldova and Gazprom created an equity joint enterprise, in which Moldova holds a 34% stake and Gazprom holds 50% plus one shares.
