Russian energy giant Gazprom accuses Ukraine of withholding some of the gas as it passes through its territory – and is now threatening to cut already diminished supplies. The neighboring country has not yet forwarded 52.5 million cubic meters of Russian gas that was actually destined for the neighboring Republic of Moldova, Gazprom reported on Tuesday.
If nothing changes, the transit, which also benefits EU countries, will be reduced by the withheld daily amount from next Monday. Gazprom did not name a specific volume.
Despite the war, the transport continues
Kiev did not initially comment on the allegations, but had always insisted in the past that it would honor its contractual obligations. Despite Russia’s ongoing war of aggression, Ukraine has shipped about 15.6 billion cubic meters of Russian natural gas to the west since Feb. 24 — more than ten percent of that to Moldova, according to its own statements.
However, in May, natural gas transit through Russia’s Luhansk Oblast was suspended. Kiev and Moscow accused each other of being responsible. Instead of the possible maximum amount of 109 million cubic meters, only slightly more than 40 million cubic meters flow daily from Russia to Ukraine and further west.
Moldova: “Political blackmail”
Moldova, which lies between Romania and Ukraine and has a population of about 2.6 million, is one of the poorest countries in Europe. In early October, Gazprom halted deliveries to Moldova, citing transit problems allegedly caused by Ukraine as the reason for the move. The pro-European leadership under President Maia Sandu, on the other hand, blames Moscow for the gas bottleneck and speaks of “political blackmail”. Like Ukraine, Moldova was declared a candidate for EU membership in June.
Source: Krone
I’m Ben Stock, a journalist and author at Today Times Live. I specialize in economic news and have been working in the news industry for over five years. My experience spans from local journalism to international business reporting. In my career I’ve had the opportunity to interview some of the world’s leading economists and financial experts, giving me an insight into global trends that is unique among journalists.
