Moldova: Russia threatens gas supply in Europe's poorest stateHis country is immersed in a gas crisis. But Nicu Popescu is trying to remain positive.
"On Monday our country made history," Moldova's foreign minister tells me. "For the first time Moldova bought gas from a source that was not Russia's Gazprom."
The gas shipment from Poland's PGNiG was one million cubic metres.
Moldova will need much larger volumes if Gazprom does what it has threatened to do: turn off the gas taps.
Up until now, 100% of Moldova's gas has come from Russia. But the contract to supply it expired at the end of September. Gazprom raised the price and Moldova balked at paying it. In the absence of a new deal, the Russian energy giant reduced supplies, prompting Moldova to declare a 30-day state of emergency. Gazprom accused Moldova of "provoking a crisis" and demanded repayment of a $709m (£514m) debt, which Moldova disputes.
Negotiations continue. Moldovan officials say they would like to sign a new contract with Gazprom, but only if the terms are favourable.
If there is no deal with Russia, could Moldova, one of Europe's poorest countries, buy enough gas elsewhere? .............
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-59048894
