Moldova Establishes Strategic Gas Reserves in Ukraine and Romania Ahead of the Winter Season

The Republic of Moldova has completed the establishment of strategic natural gas reserves for the 2026–2027 heating season. A total of 56.3 million cubic metres of natural gas has been stored in underground storage facilities in Ukraine and Romania.

The information was released by Moldova’s Ministry of Energy on November 2, 2026, following a meeting of the commission responsible for preparations for the winter heating season.

The state-owned energy company Energocom has fully contracted the planned natural gas volumes for the period from October 2026 to March 2027.

Preparations are also continuing within the electricity infrastructure sector. Construction of the 400 kV Vulcănești–Chișinău power transmission line has been completed, while technical inspections of equipment at the Chișinău substation are still underway before its commissioning.

According to the Moldovan authorities, 27 of the 52 measures planned for the heating season have been fully implemented, 21 have been partially completed, and four remain in progress.

Commentary by the Institute of Danube Research (IDR)

The storage of Moldova’s strategic natural gas reserves in Ukraine and Romania demonstrates the practical importance of cross-border energy cooperation in the Danube–Black Sea region.

Ukraine’s gas transmission infrastructure and underground storage facilities have significant potential to support the development of a regional natural gas storage and supply market.

At the same time, the expansion of cross-border electricity interconnections creates opportunities to diversify Moldova’s energy supply and deepen its integration into the European energy market.

According to the Institute of Danube Research, further cooperation among Ukraine, Romania and Moldova should focus on coordinated planning of strategic energy reserves, the development of cross-border electricity networks and joint emergency response mechanisms.

Strengthening regional energy connectivity is an essential component of energy security, economic resilience and long-term European integration in the Danube region.