Transnistria, a pro-Russian separatist region in Moldova, has announced a reduction in the duration of daily power outages, Reuters reports.
According to the region's official Telegram channel, the outages will be reduced from eight to three hours on Sunday. However, they will be increased again to five hours from Monday.
The decision comes amid energy constraints caused by the suspension of Russian gas supplies via Ukraine. Transnistria Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Obolonik said that under the current “ultra-efficient” gas consumption the region has reserves until the end of January.
Russia and Moldova: Different interpretations of the energy crisis
The pro-European Moldovan government has accused Russia of artificially creating an energy crisis, which it says aims to destabilize the country.
Government representative Daniel Voda condemned Russia for using energy resources as a means of pressure on the population, stating:
“Russia is taking people hostage, taking away their comfort and security.“
For its part, Gazprom rejects gas supplies to Moldova via alternative routes, such as the Turkish gas pipeline “Turkish Stream“, and insists on unpaid debts in the amount of $709 million. Moldova disputes this amount and has called for assistance from the European Union.
Economic and social consequences in Transnistria
The energy crisis has had significant consequences for industry in the region. Many businesses have switched to night shifts when the power grid is less strained. However, major manufacturing facilities, such as the cement plant in Ribnitsa and a key steel mill, have stopped operating. Meanwhile, Moldova has offered help to address energy shortages, but separatist leaders deny receiving any official offers. Transnistria, which declared independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union, remains politically and militarily dependent on Russia, which maintains a contingent of 1,500 troops in the region. The region's ties to Moscow further complicate energy and political disputes with Moldova, which condemns Russia's war in Ukraine. New challenges lie ahead especially given the planned parliamentary elections in Moldova this summer, when the energy crisis could become a key political issue.