Moldova relies on Russia to build four major gas pipelines

The Moldovan Energy Ministry hopes that the Russian company Stroitransgas will act as the contractor for building four major gas pipelines in the republic. The total cost of the projects' fulfilment is estimated at approximately $60 million, the ministry reported on Tuesday.

Some $50 million of this sum will be allocated to construct a gas pipeline from Drokia via Ungheni to Iasi that will connect Northern Moldovan towns with Romania.

The construction of the pipeline will allow Moldova to install gas service in some towns in the north of the country, as well as to receive money from Gazprom for gas transit.

Moreover, the Russian gas holding will be able to increase gas volumes supplied to Romania via other pipelines till 1.7 billion cubic meters. Romania, in its turn, expects to diminish expenditures for gas deliveries receiving Russian gas in Iasi instead of Satu Mare and Isaci as is the case now.

By now, the Moldovan and Russian parties have solved all technical problems in negotiations, the Energy Ministry reported. The ministry is optimistic about the possibility of Stroitransgas's participation in the projects.