Moldova enshrines in regulation creation of gas reserves equal to 10 days of winter consumption

CHISINAU. Sept 29 (Interfax) - The Moldovan government adopted a resolution on Wednesday to create and maintain the gas reserves necessary to ensure the country's energy security, with state-owned company Energocom overseeing this area.

According to the published resolution, the company must conclude contracts with economic entities providing gas storage services in neighboring countries, Energy Community countries, and European Union countries, as well as with gas transport companies. The cost of storage will be covered by payments from suppliers on the natural gas market.

The reserves must have a minimum of 22.8 million cubic meters of gas, the equivalent of ten days of consumption in the winter, according to the calculations of the National Agency for Energy Regulation. The reserves may be used fully or partially only by decision of the commission for emergency situations.

Moldovan Deputy Prime Minister and Infrastructure and Regional Development Minister Andrei Spinu said at a government meeting that the reserves total 39.5 million cubic meters of gas at present. The government allocated money to Energocom in September to acquire gas for the reserves, and a large portion is stored at facilities in Romania.