Starting January 1, 2025, the Moldova risks finding itself without supplies of Russian gas. The decision of Gazprom to interrupt the flow to the country comes in a tense geopolitical context, marked by growing tensions between Russia and Europe. The end of the transit contracts through Ukraine, and the worsening of the ongoing war, have made the initial desire to maintain energy supplies to countries like Moldova increasingly complicated for Moscow. This decision, which could trigger serious blackouts and an energy crisis, arrives at a delicate moment for the country, committed to its rapprochement with the European Union.
Stop gas to Moldova: Gazprom’s decision
On December 26, 2024, Gazprom has officially notified the national company Moldovagaz that starting from 1 January 2025, the supplies of natural gas towards the Moldova will be completely suspended (as has already happened for Austria).
This decision is linked to an alleged non-payment of invoices by the Moldovan authorities, who failed to respect the established contractual terms. Moldova, which depends entirely on Russian gas, receives methane through pipelines running through Transnistria, a pro-Russian separatist region. The interruption of the gas flow will put the country in a precarious energy situation, especially with the arrival of winter, which will lead to a sharp increase in energy needs.
What the country risks: not just blackouts
There Moldova he doesn’t just risk suffering blackout massive due to the lack of gas, but also a series of economic and social hardships. The country, already in economic difficulty, could be forced to increase energy prices for its citizens, further worsening the situation.
In the event of a gas outage, local industry and essential services could face serious difficulties, with devastating social effects. The inability to adequately supply energy would also put vital sectors such as hospitals and schools in crisis, increasing pressure on local institutions. Furthermore, the absence of gas could compromise the industrial infrastructure and jeopardize the reform projects that Moldova is trying to implement as part of its accession to the European Union.
In other words, the climate is tense. Reassurances are coming from the Moldovan government on actions to be taken to prevent the escalation of problems, but at the moment there is still no official plan to exit the crisis.
Will there be consequences for Italy?
Despite the uncertainty that this crisis brings with it, Italy seems to be sheltered from the direct problems linked to the interruption of gas to Moldova.
Italy has diversified its supply sources, with an increasing use of LNG (liquefied natural gas) coming from countries such as the USA, Qatar and Norway, progressively reducing its dependence on Russian gas.
Although blocking supplies to Moldova could have repercussions on the European energy market, Italy has already taken measures to mitigate the potential effects, with good supplies from other sources. Although there is a slight fluctuation in prices, Italy seems less vulnerable than other Eastern European countries in this winter of 2025.
