From Saturday, 26 September, Moldova will move into a state of emergency in the energy and hydrological sectors. The decision was taken by the National Commission for Crisis Management, Point reports.
The measures are aimed at ensuring sufficient electricity, preserving necessary fuel reserves and protecting water resources for the public and critical services.
During the emergency, Moldova plans to retain available electricity for domestic consumption during peak hours, guarantee supplies to hospitals and other vital facilities, and speed up fuel deliveries into the country.
The authorities are also preparing back-up mechanisms in case the situation worsens. These include emergency electricity imports from neighbouring power systems, increased domestic generation, the use of alternative water sources, artesian wells and high-capacity pumps, as well as water deliveries to населений пунктs in the event of disruptions.
Separate restrictions will apply to fuel. At the Giurgiulesti International Free Port, the export and re-export of petrol and diesel fuel will be permitted only on condition that at least 2,500 tonnes of petrol and 7,500 tonnes of diesel are kept in storage.
Fuel transport will be given priority at border crossing points, and the relevant trains will be prioritised on the rail network. In addition, filling stations will restrict the sale of diesel fuel in containers of up to 40 litres. For special containers intended for refuelling agricultural machinery, the limit will be 100 litres.
For the duration of the emergency regime, water abstraction from the Dniester and the Prut for irrigation will also be suspended. It will be prohibited to use drinking water from centralised systems and water from surface sources for non-urgent needs. In particular, watering lawns or washing streets.
If centralised water supply in a particular settlement becomes impossible, the authorities will organise water deliveries.
- In August, Moldova’s Ministry of Environment reported a historically low water level in the Dniester Reservoir. Due to insufficient inflow, the reservoir level continues to fall.