Moldova prepares to open gas market in major step toward EU integration
On 1 April 2026, Moldova will take a significant step toward further integrating with the EU’s internal energy market. That is when the country will phase out regulated gas prices for large non-household consumers, including power and heating utilities, industrial operators and commercial users, representing around 55% of national gas demand. In doing so, Moldova, as a Contracting Party of the Energy Community, is opening a large share of its gas market, which is considered by the Energy Community to be an “especially key milestone” for a country heavily reliant on imported natural gas for electricity and heat generation.
On 19 February, gas companies, regulators, public authorities, and major consumers gathered in Chișinău for a forum, co-organised by the National Agency for Energy Regulation (ANRE) and the Energy Community Secretariat, in preparation for this transition. The event focused on enabling large non-household consumers to adapt to the new market rules.
“Moldova is stepping into an EU-integrated energy future,” said Artur Lorkowski, Director of the Energy Community Secretariat. “Opening the gas market for big gas consumers turns integration with the EU into competition among the suppliers, while ensuring market reforms are implemented in a way that protects vulnerable households.”
Moldova’s dependence on imported gas became apparent during the energy crisis of 2021-2022, when supply disruptions caused by Russia led to widespread economic and social tensions, exposing the risks of dependence on a single supplier. With the support of the Energy Community Secretariat, Moldova has since emerged as one of the frontrunners in advancing market reforms, reducing structural vulnerabilities through deeper integration with the EU’s internal energy market.
The phase-out of regulated prices will be gradual – completed for large non-household consumers by April 2026 and for medium non-household consumers by April 2027. At the same time, households, small businesses and essential service providers will still be able to choose between regulated supply and market-based contracts, helping ensure a smooth and consumer-focused transition.
The Forum was organised within the framework of the ‘Moldova Energy Independence and Resilience’ (MEIR) project, co-financed by the European Union.
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