Moldovan Government Prepares for Potential Nationalisation of Moldovagaz, Partly Owned by Gazprom

Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean has instructed his government to begin preparations for the possible nationalisation of Moldovagaz, the country’s gas utility, in response to a dispute with Russia’s Gazprom.

Gazprom, which owns a 50% stake in the company, has threatened to suspend gas exports to Moldova starting January 1, citing unpaid debts.

However, Moldova denies any arrears and accuses Russia of attempting to destabilise the country.

According to Reuters, during a Cabinet meeting, Recean directed the Minister of Justice to prepare the necessary legislative amendments to facilitate the nationalisation of Moldovagaz. “We must act in strategic sectors,” said Recean. “These assets were once taken from us, and we must return them to state ownership.”

In addition to Gazprom’s 50% share, the pro-Russian breakaway region of Transnistria holds around 13%, while the Moldovan government controls 35.6%. The nationalisation process would require parliamentary approval, analysts note.

Moldova currently imports about 2 billion cubic meters of gas per year from Russia, with transit through Ukraine. However, the gas transit agreement between Russia and Ukraine is set to expire on December 31, 2024, with Ukraine refusing to extend the deal. As a result, the gas flow to Moldova could be interrupted from January 1, 2025.