Energy Crisis Hits Moldova: From Russian Dependency to Strategic Diversification in 2026
Moldova remains heavily dependent on Russian energy imports, and as a result has recently faced repeated energy crises, particularly when subjected to supply cuts from Moscow. Since the war in Ukraine began in 2014, Moldova has felt the impact acutely, with its energy security further weakened by near-total reliance on Russian gas.
The Kremlin has used energy as a geopolitical weapon, pressuring Moldova and influencing its foreign policy. In October 2021, Gazprom—Moldova's primary energy supplier—cut gas deliveries and raised prices, plunging the country into a state of emergency.
Energy Security Under Siege
Since the war in Ukraine began in 2014, Moldova has felt the impact acutely, with its energy security further weakened by near-total reliance on Russian gas. The Kremlin has used energy as a geopolitical weapon, pressuring Moldova and influencing its foreign policy decisions.
When Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the situation deteriorated dramatically. Moscow significantly reduced its willingness to supply Moldova with the gas and electricity that the country needed for basic household heating and industrial production.
The Cost of Diversification
Fig 1 – The data in figure 1 shows a steep decline in the imported electricity and gas from the outset of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and follows the decline through 2022 and 2023. That is due to the decreased supply of gas and electricity that Russia has been willing to provide to Moldova along with the limited supply that other countries, primarily, Romania were able to offer to Chișinău.
Fig. 2 – The structure of natural gas providers in Moldova shows how Moldova has diversified its energy sources since 2023, shifting to Energocom as its main provider. This has reduced Moldovagaz, the provider of Russian gas, to just 0.2% of its imports, according to a report by the National Agency of Energy Regulation of the Republic of Moldova (ANRE, 2023).
The second figure provides a clearer picture of Moldova's current energy situation. When analysed alongside previous data, it highlights a discrepancy between Moldova's pre-war Russian gas imports and its current alternative supply routes.
The Financial Impact on Households
The Cost of Diversification has come at a significant price. Alternative suppliers are charging higher prices, and the rising energy costs in Moldova have a ripple effect on businesses and households alike.
While the power supply is currently sufficient, base electricity tariffs have surged by 75% to 4.1 lei per kWh, as approved by ANRE (Euractiv, 2025). Thus, economic viability is at stake for many local industries, and household budgets are feeling the strain.
"The economy of Moldova is recovering after multiple shocks. We estimate an economic growth rate of 2.7 per cent in 2025 and 2.3 per cent in 2026, based on a good harvest, strong domestic demand and substantial financing on behalf of the EU."
According to the IMF, Moldova's economy is recovering after multiple shocks. However, significant vulnerabilities remain. The energy crisis represents both a severe challenge and a transformative opportunity—if Moldova can successfully diversify its energy portfolio and secure sustainable alternative sources, it can emerge stronger and more resilient.