What is the Transnistria energy crisis? On the 31 December 2024, at 19:50pm, Transnistria experienced an energy crisis. This unprecedented crisis saw the pro-Russian breakaway region of Moldova declare a state of emergency following the cessation of gas supplies from Russia.
Transnistria, officially called the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic is a narrow-shaped, land-locked country that borders mostly the Dniester River and Ukraine. The largest and most populated city is Tiraspol.
Background of the Energy Crisis in Transnistria
Transnistria has heavily relied not only on Russian peacekeepers to protect the unrecognised countries’ borders but also on its energy supply of gas. Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine/special military operation on 24 February 2024, tensions have risen between Tiraspol and Kyiv.
Stating security concerns, Ukraine refused to renew the agreement to transit gas through its territory. Both Moldova and Transnistria rely heavily on this energy source, but also Moldova. Historically, gas was supplied from Russia, through Ukraine and Transnistria to Moldova. See all our tours to Ukraine and Transnistria.
Daily life during the Energy Crisis in Transnistria
The closure of subsidized gas from Russia has heavily impacted the de facto state, with immediate and severe disruptions. Initially, Transnistria will alternate its power supply with total power cuts for 1 – 3 hours twice a day. At the time of writing, it is 4 hours twice a day which will be extended to 5 hours, twice a day. The hospitals and critical infrastructure retain power throughout the power cutout.
The supply of gas has had a severe impact on daily lives, leaving ordinary residents without heating and hot water. However, January 2025 temperatures have been warmer than the previous year, it still leaves the most vulnerable people, the elderly and young children, at risk amidst this cold temperature.
Travelling through the North and South of Transnistria after our New Year Tour I saw that local residents are using alternative heating sources, such as wood and electrical heaters. Consequently, this has had an impact on the region’s already fragile electrical power grid.
Life in Tiraspol with the Energy Crisis in Transnistria
Popular hotels, cafés, and restaurants use electric generators, although my favourite restaurant owned by Igor runs on candlelight during power outages. However, they still serve delicious Russian and Ukrainian cuisines over candlelight, and as always the vodka is plentiful.
With the largest population located in Transnistria, the residents in Tiraspol remain optimistic and hope for a solution. Speaking to a number of friends and local residents, they have stated industrial work has stopped except for food production facilities. The educational system has also felt the impact with schools closing to comply with the strict energy conservation measures.
Moldova reaches out to Transnistria
It is clear that Transnistria’s gas reserves will be exhausted in the coming weeks. Moldova aims to integrate with the West and has already been supplied electricity from Romania and Ukraine. Moldova has offered Transnistria technical and commercial support to supply gas from Europe at market price, Transnistria rejected this offer.
For decades Transnistria has relied on Russian gas, refusing to integrate with Moldova’s infrastructure. With the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, it’s clear that the neighbouring countries are affected by geopolitics.
The Future of Transnistria during the Energy Crisis
Russia has maintained a strong influence in Transnistria, providing security and energy. The current energy crisis has highlighted the vulnerabilities of the unrecognized country. Moldova seeks to have closer ties to the European Union, even attempting to tackle its corruption issues. Many people in Transnistria wish to be closer to Moscow as there are many similarities between their cultures and ways of life.
While families struggle to stay warm as the temperatures plummet, it’s unclear what the cost will be. Businesses are on the verge of collapse, while major industries are reliving their employees for redundancy.
Visiting Transnistria during Energy Crisis
Having lived in Transnistria during the summer of 2023, the region has grown on me since first visiting in 2019. It’s important to have a connection with the region and the local community where you guide in, this is what makes Young Pioneer Tours stand out from our competitors. It would be unfair for me only to stay and enjoy the fruits of summer. I have chosen to stay to support local businesses, understand the current energy crisis, and more importantly, catch up with my friends in Tiraspol through this difficult, dark and cold period.
All our tours to Moldova, Transnistria and Soviet Europe will continue normally.
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