Government spokesman: This energy crisis is part of Russian manipulation and propaganda plan to create fear and discontent on both banks of Dniester

Chisinau, Jan 6 /MOLDPRES/- Government spokesman Daniel Voda explained that after Gazprom refused to honor its contract to deliver natural gas to the Transnistrian region, the energy situation in the region deteriorated rapidly and became worrying, a fact that Chisinau has publicly warned about. He emphasized that this energy crisis is more than an economic problem - it is part of a larger Russian manipulation and propaganda plan aimed at generating fear and discontent on both sides of the Dniester.

"Propaganda is trying to distract attention from the truth, but the reality is clear: the energy crisis on the left bank of the Dniester is a direct result of the separatist regime's refusal to cooperate for the good of the people. Chisinau continues to deliver real solutions and support the stability of the whole country. We are not putting up any obstacles. We have not stopped free movement. We have mobilized humanitarian aid," stressed Daniel Voda.

Manipulating facts and creating false narratives

Daniel Voda said that the blocking of gas supplies and the escalation of the crisis in the region were followed by a wave of disinformation. Thus, according to him, "the idea that Chisinau is to blame for the crisis on the left bank is being spread; the energy cuts are being presented as an "intentional action" of the Moldovan authorities to "punish" the inhabitants of the left bank of the Dniester; the repeated refusal of the so-called authorities to accept alternative solutions offered by Chisinau is being avoided".

Lessons from the past: How many times has Russia used gas as a weapon for blackmail (including on the right bank)?

Daniel Voda said that history has shown that Russia uses energy as a lever of influence, especially at critical moments:

Winter 1992: Russia cut gas supplies to force Chisinau to accept concessions on Transnistria.

Winter 2004-2005: Gazprom cut deliveries to "educate" Moldova, even though a pro-Russian party was in government. The lesson: even those who thought they had "special relations" felt cold.

Winter 2008-2009: Another sudden interruption in the dead of winter amid regional disputes. "Former President Vladimir Voronin on one of his recent broadcasts publicly admits that he called then-President Yushchenko in Kyiv to beg for gas to be supplied to the right bank. To the moderator's statement that this is proof that Russia uses gas as a blackmail tool, the former president did not find an answer," says Daniel Voda.

2014: After the illegal annexation of Crimea, Russia cut supplies "to punish its neighbors who supported Ukraine."

2021-2022: Russia cut supplies "to destabilize Europe (knowing that they would bring war back to the European continent after decades of peace) and force the lifting of sanctions after the invasion of Ukraine."

What should we remember about the "debts" invoked by Gazprom?

The government spokesman says that the 700 million dollar debt is an amount imputed to the right bank but invalidated by an international audit. At the same time, according to him, the left bank's debt of 11 billion dollars is the amount accumulated by the Transnistrian region for unpaid gas over 30 years.

"This free gas was used to subsidize the separatist regime and create total economic dependence. 

What happened in the region after January 1, 2025

After the gas was turned off, people in the Transnistrian region were forced to resort to electric heating, which overloaded the distribution networks. State Secretary of the Energy Ministry Constantin Borosan explained all the details of the energy sector. According to him, the region has a shortage of 65 MW of electricity - about 30% of the region's needs. Under these circumstances, electricity disconnections are taking place in a fan: January 3: 1 hour. January 4: 3 hours. January 5: 4 hours.

The maximum generation capacity in the region is only 154 MW, against a demand of 219 MW. These disconnections take place during peak hours in the morning and evening when temperatures reach -8°C.

What Chisinau has done to prevent energy crisis and humanitarian catastrophe

The government spokesperson said the Moldovan authorities have proposed clear solutions since December to avoid this situation:

December 11, 2024: Proposal to purchase gas on the Romanian Commodities Exchange (BRM).

December 20, 2024: Proposal to process the gas purchased by Energocom into electricity at MGRES.

December 31, 2024: Testing the trans-Balkan route for gas import through Bulgaria.

January 2, 2025: Tiraspoltransgaz refused cooperation for gas purchases from regional markets.

"Propagandists do not mention these facts and intentionally omit the real context of the crisis. A crisis induced by the Russian Federation," says Daniel Voda.

What people need to understand about energy blackmail

According to the government spokesman, the refusal of the Tiraspol authorities to accept the solutions proposed by Chisinau clearly shows that the leaders of the separatist regime prioritize political games at the expense of the population. "On whose instructions?" asks Daniel Voda.

What has the government done to protect the country?

Diversification of energy sources: Romanian imports cover more than 50% of electricity consumption. Iasi-Chisinau gas pipeline is working, providing access to European sources. We have secured gas stocks for the entire cold season.

Investments in renewable energy: Green energy accounts for 14% of total consumption. New solar and wind projects are underway. The government is implementing one of the most ambitious energy efficiency programs for public buildings and multi-storey housing stock across the country.

International partnerships: Romania provided energy at capped prices. EU and US financially support energy modernization projects.

Humanitarian aid for the Transnistrian region: generators and medicines for affected communities have been mobilized with UN family partners. Currently untapped due to lack of cooperation from the region's leaders.

"We are implementing on the Right Bank one of the most complex population support programs - "Help on the Meter" - with over 1.5 million people enrolled in the program, with targeted support adjustment to vulnerable individuals and families. The state is doing this so as not to admit waste of public money. The resources allocated are from all our citizens, all our taxes, and from foreign aid from friends of Moldova. They do not belong to the Government, Parliament or any other institution. It's everyone's money," said Daniel Voda.

How Chisinau fights the crisis and propaganda

Daniel Vodă pointed out that on the right bank, the situation is stable thanks to a well-coordinated strategy: electricity is provided from domestic production (Chisinau, Balti, Costești), renewable sources and imports.

The energy networks are constantly monitored by operator Moldelectrica, which also communicates with the Transnistrian dispatcher to prevent major incidents.

Economic agents are encouraged to organize their activities during off-peak hours to benefit from lower differentiated tariffs. This week, Prime Minister Dorin Recean gave instructions to announce support measures for economic agents. "We want to protect the economy from tariff increases. For the first time we have a differentiated tariff for electricity consumption approved by ANRE Republic of Moldova," Daniel Voda said.

Why responsible energy consumption matters

Daniel Vodă added that misinformation is aimed at creating a climate of panic and discontent, while in reality, through responsible consumption, everyone contributes to the stability of the energy network and to reducing energy bills. He urged citizens to remain calm and take energy-saving actions:

Avoid using several large appliances simultaneously during peak hours (7:00-11:00 and 18:00-23:00).

He said it is now important that people are informed and united. "Every time we respond with the truth, propaganda loses ground. Stop the chain of misinformation. If you have relatives, friends, colleagues, acquaintances in the Transnistrian region - call them, find out how they are doing, discuss openly and wholeheartedly, with goodwill and respect. Truth is like light: the more you spread it, the brighter it shines. Be people of light", Daniel Voda said.