Amid an acute energy crisis, Transnistria, the unrecognized republic that has found itself without Russian gas supplies, is hoping for a quick solution to its problem thanks to humanitarian aid from Russia. As сообщает Kommersant newspaper reports that Moscow and Tiraspol are negotiating a new gas supply mechanism that differs from the previously discussed options.

It was previously assumed that the gas could be delivered via the Turkish Stream, but according to the latest information, an alternative approach is being considered: purchasing gas on the European spot market with subsequent transportation to Transnistria. This scenario involves using an intermediary company to purchase the required volume of gas, and the costs of these operations will presumably be compensated by the Russian budget.

The plan is to purchase gas in the amount of about 3 million cubic meters per day, starting in January and lasting until April 2025. According to Kommersant experts, the total cost of such purchases could be about $164 million. This decision arose after the transit of Russian gas through Ukraine, the traditional route for Transnistria, was stopped on January 1, 2025, leaving the region without a critical resource.

The energy crisis in Transnistria worsened after Gazprom stopped gas supplies to the region, citing outstanding debts to Moldovan company Moldovagaz. In response, Transnistria began experiencing electricity shortages, introducing rolling blackouts that caused significant inconvenience to the population and industry.

Russia's offer to buy gas on the European spot market could be a decisive step in stabilizing the situation in Transnistria. Such an approach would not only provide the republic with the necessary energy resource, but could also reduce tensions in the region, where energy is a key factor for the survival of the economy and the basic needs of the population.