The Moldovan Parliament approved the introduction of a 60-day state of emergency in the energy and hydrological sectors with 54 votes. The decision will take effect on September 26 amid growing risks of higher gas and fuel prices, as well as low water levels in the Dniester River.
This was reported by TV Moldova.
Prime Minister Vasile Tofan said that the current energy crisis was the result of the simultaneous impact of several external factors that Moldova cannot control.
According to him, these include the war in the Persian Gulf, which is limiting gas exports from Qatar, the destruction of oil refineries as a result of the war in Ukraine, as well as an unprecedented drought that has significantly reduced hydropower generation.
Energy Minister Dorin Junghietu warned that the price of diesel fuel could exceed 40 lei per liter. According to him, the authorities must be ready to intervene quickly in the event of further increases in diesel and natural gas prices.
He noted that gas prices remain unpredictable, while the current purchase price is significantly higher than the one included in the tariff.
The Environment Ministry said that the hydrological situation had worsened and water reserves remained insufficient. Autumn rainfall has not changed the situation enough to ensure sufficient reserves in the Dniester reservoir. Currently, water accumulation volumes are three times lower than the volumes being discharged from the reservoir, indicating a deterioration in the situation.
