Russia seeks alternative routes for gas supplies to Transnistria

Russia is considering a new method for supplying gas to Transnistria after Ukraine halted the transit of Russian fuel.

 Instead of the traditional route via the "Turkish Stream", which was considered the main option, Moscow and Tiraspol are discussing the purchase of gas on the European spot market through an intermediary company.

According to Kommersant, such measures involve the use of third-party organisations to transport gas to the unrecognised region. It is expected that the costs of these operations will be covered by the Russian budget. 

Sources indicate that gas purchases are being considered for the period from January to April, with a volume of approximately 3 million cubic metres per day. This could cost around $164 million.

These volumes are sufficient to meet Transnistria's gas needs; however, they would be insufficient to ensure electricity exports from the Moldovan GRES power plant to the right bank. 

The likely intermediary in the deal may be the company Natural Gaz D.C., rather than "Moldovagaz", as was previously the case. This was stated by the company's co-owner Arkady Vilkol, who confirmed that a framework contract for gas supplies of 2 to 3 million cubic metres per day has already been signed with "Tiraspoltransgaz".