On January 1, 2025, Russia's gas giant Gazprom ceased gas supplies to Moldova, severely impacting the country's largest power plant and raising concerns about an impending energy crisis during a winter freeze. This decision follows a dispute over an alleged $709 million debt for past gas supplies, which Moldova's government has rejected, accusing Moscow of employing oppressive tactics.
Moldova's national security adviser, Stanislav Secrieru, stated that Russia is weaponizing its energy exports to destabilize the country economically and socially, particularly ahead of upcoming elections. Gazprom had already reduced its gas deliveries to Moldova since the onset of the Ukraine invasion, primarily supplying the unrecognized breakaway region of Transnistria.
Transnistria, which declared independence from Moldova in 1991, has reported heating outages and advised residents to dress warmly as temperatures fell to -1 degree Celsius. Over 130 schools in the region are currently without heating, prompting local officials to declare a 30-day economic emergency due to anticipated energy shortages.
As Moldova relies on power imports from Romania, the situation is complicated by the fact that its largest power station is located in Transnistria, which provides about two-thirds of the country's electricity. The station is now fueled by coal, but authorities warn that supplies will last only 50 days.
In a related development, Ukraine has disrupted gas supplies to Europe by refusing to renew a transit agreement with Gazprom, which President Volodymyr Zelensky described as one of Moscow's biggest defeats during the ongoing conflict. The cessation of this transit agreement is expected to have significant repercussions for Moldova, which shares borders with Ukraine.
Other countries affected by the gas supply halt include Slovakia and Hungary, although Hungary is expected to remain insulated due to supplies received through the TurkStream pipeline.