Kremlin-backed Transnistria bows to gas supply deal with Chisinau

The decision will allow Transnistria to provide heat and electricity to residents and social institutions more quickly, the so-called PMR leader Vadim Krasnoselsky said, adding that the Tiraspolgaz company sent a notice to Moldovagaz on Jan. 18, consenting to supply natural gas through the pipeline and agreeing to pay for the transit of the fuel.

This follows an earlier statement by Moldovan President Maia Sandu that the supply of Russian gas through intermediaries violates international sanctions and is considered illegal. Only supplies through Moldovagaz, in which Gazprom is the majority shareholder, are considered legal.

Transnistria faced a severe crisis after Ukraine halted Russian gas transit on Jan. 1 following the expiration of the transit agreement between Gazprom and Naftogaz.

This disruption caused Transnistria to shut down centralized heating and hot water supplies due to a lack of gas. Local authorities reported that gas reserves in the region would run out within a month.

Electricity supply from the Moldavskaya GRES power plant in the unrecognized Transnistria has also ceased. The plant, now coal-powered, generates electricity only for essential local needs. Moldova’s electricity production is allocated solely to its domestic market, with exports restricted except on weekends and holidays.

Public and commercial buildings in Transnistria have reduced lighting by at least 30% where feasible. Non-essential lighting is turned off entirely.

All industrial facilities in the region have halted operations due to energy shortages.

Moldova’s government spokesperson, Daniel Voda, accused Russia of abandoning Transnistria and using Gazprom to pressure the country.

Despite Moldova's offers of assistance in obtaining gas, Transdniestria has repeatedly rejected them.