The Government has approved a package of measures that strengthens the security of natural gas supply for consumers on both banks of the Nistru, by increasing security stocks for the right bank and introducing a mandatory stock‑building requirement for consumers in the Transnistrian region.

The Cabinet endorsed amendments to the Law on Natural Gas. Under the new provisions, the entity responsible for supplying natural gas to consumers in the Transnistrian region will be required to create and maintain gas stocks equal to at least 15% of the region’s average annual final consumption, calculated based on the past five years.

Only the gas consumed for the region’s own needs will be included in this calculation. Gas used to generate electricity exported outside the region will not be counted.

The amendments also allow the storage obligation for the Transnistrian region to be delegated to licensed gas traders or suppliers from Moldova, EU member states, or other Energy Community countries.

Recently, the National Agency for Energy Regulation extended until 31 December 2026 the designation of Moldovagaz as the entity responsible for supplying natural gas to the Transnistrian region, ensuring continuity of deliveries and strengthening energy security.

The Government also approved an increase in natural gas security stocks for the right bank. The minimum mandatory volume will rise by about 6.5 million m³, from 50 million m³ to 56.3 million m³ for the 2026–2027 heating season.

The adjustment reflects higher actual consumption recorded during the 2025–2026 winter. According to Law No. 108/2016, security stocks must cover at least 10 days of consumption, based on the average daily consumption of the previous winter. The new volume must be secured by Energocom by 1 October 2026.

Moldova does not have its own gas storage facilities. Strategic reserves are kept in storage sites in Romania, Ukraine, and other EU and Energy Community states, representing a safety buffer equivalent to roughly 10 days of winter consumption.

Security stocks differ from commercial stocks and may be used only in exceptional situations, by decision of the competent authorities. During the 2025–2026 winter, commercial stocks were used to cover consumption peaks, without the need to activate security reserves.