Headline: Moldova Imposes Electricity Rationing; Blames Russia for Energy Crisis
Article:
Moldova has announced significant electricity consumption curbs as of January 1, 2025, in response to an ongoing energy crisis, with the government pinning the blame on Russia. The state commission for emergency situations has imposing the following measures:
- A 30% reduction in indoor lighting for public and commercial buildings
- Restrictions on the use of escalators and elevators
- Сoncerning the scheduling of energy-intensive industrial processes to avoid peak hours
- A ban on the sale of electricity abroad during peak hours
Interestingly, Moldova has placed the responsibility for this energy crisis squarely on Moscow’s shoulders. "Moldova is in a state of emergency due to the potential humanitarian crisis in the Pridnestrovian region, as the Russian Federation has failed to fulfill its contract for natural gas supplies to consumers on the left bank of the Dniester," the government statement read.
Adding fuel to the fire, Russian gas giant Gazprom has announced it will halt gas supplies to Moldova from January 1, 2025, citing repeated payment defaults by the country. Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean has responded by denying the debt and hinting at international arbitration against Gazprom’s decision.
Moldova’s gas troubles began on January 1, 2025, when Gazprom introduced a complete stoppage of gas supplies to the country, according to EADaily. This move came after Moldova refused to resolve its gas debt, with Gazprom citing repeated payment defaults as a breach of their existing contract.
