You're reading: Moldova calls tenders to buy gas with delivery from Ukraine, Romania

CHISINAU – Moldovan state company Energocom has announced a series of tenders to buy natural gas with delivery from the border with Ukraine (Oleksiyivka) or Romania (Ungheni).

The gas purchases are being made for Moldova due to the “exceptional situation,” the company said on its website.

“Following the National Commission for Exceptional Situations of Oct. 13, 2021, the state of alert was announced regarding the natural gas sector. Energocom, a company 100% owned by the State of Moldova, is preparing to purchase natural gas to be supplied at Moldovan border from Ukraine and/or Romania,” the company said.

Tenders will be held for various periods, to begin with short-term gas purchases of 5 million cubic meters and potentially more for the balance of October, Energocom said.

Gas suppliers must have “a proven record of reliable and professional activity (gas supply license in at least one EU/Energy Community country and >0.3 bcm of gas trading in 2020),” the company said.

The first tender to purchase 1 mcm of gas was announced on Oct. 23. Prepayment will be issued immediately, but SWIFT transfer to foreign entities can only be carried out on Oct. 25, Energocom said.

“Considering the emergency situation, the Public Property Agency of Moldova, the sole shareholder of Energocom, will issue a comfort letter to the selected suppliers to confirm that payments will be duly made,” the company said.

The Energy Community Secretariat held a meeting with a delegation from Moldova to discuss problems with gas supplies to the country.