Could Transnistria's energy crisis cause a humanitarian crisis?

According to Serebrian, the energy crisis caused by the end of Russian gas exports to Transnistria could cause a "much more complicated" situation than that caused by the 2022 Moldovan energy crisis. As he stated, Transnistria's population could face a humanitarian crisis, as it could be left without gas, coal and electricity.

What was the situation in Transnistria during the energy crisis?

Territorial situation of the Transnistria conflict at the time of the energy crisis. Land controlled and claimed by Transnistria is in red and light red respectively. Moldova relied since its independence on the Cuciurgan power station to satisfy most of its electricity needs.

Could Transnistria provide electricity to Ukraine?

Sandu stated on 9 January that she had discussed with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the possibility of Ukraine supplying coal for the Cuciurgan power station to produce electricity, and that Transnistria in return could provide electricity to Ukraine.

Can Transnistrians live without heat and electricity?

On his part, Recean stated that Transnistrians could remain without heat and electricity, which could turn into a humanitarian catastrophe. Some 350,000 people lived in Transnistria as of January 2025; over 90% had Moldovan citizenship as of December 2024.

How does Transnistria's new gas buying scheme affect electricity prices?

With the new more expensive gas purchasing scheme, on 1 March, tariffs for public utilities for consumers in Transnistria increased significantly: 109% for gas, 80% for central heating, 60% for electricity and 25% for water, with sewerage prices also increasing. Prices also increased for businesses.

Will Gazprom continue to supply gas to Transnistria?

On 25 November 2024, Moldova's Minister of Energy, Victor Parlicov, met in Saint Petersburg in Russia with the CEO of Gazprom, Alexey Miller, to discuss the continuation of gas supplies to Transnistria in the context of the expiration of the deal between Gazprom and Naftogaz on 1 January 2025.