Moldova is facing a new threat to its energy security. The government has warned of a possible electricity shortage, while President Maia Sandu has urged citizens to conserve electricity and water as much as possible. The crisis has been triggered by a combination of unfavorable external conditions, prolonged drought, and limited opportunities to import emergency electricity.

Moldovan Prime Minister Vasile Tofan stated that on August 6 the country's power system could face increased pressure, while the ability to procure emergency electricity remains limited. According to him, the situation is further complicated by the lack of additional electricity supplies from Ukraine, which continues to suffer from regular Russian strikes on its energy infrastructure. The authorities have not ruled out the introduction of temporary rolling blackouts if electricity demand rises during peak hours.

Tofan Convenes Government as Energy and Hydrology Sectors May Be Placed on High Alert

Against this backdrop, President Maia Sandu called on citizens to use electricity and water responsibly, emphasizing that there are "no magic solutions" to the current situation. According to her, the energy and water crises are the result of several overlapping factors, including ongoing wars, instability in regional energy markets, and the severe drought affecting much of Europe.

On July 28, the Moldovan government declared a 30-day state of alert in both the energy and hydrological sectors. The decision followed a meeting of the National Crisis Management Commission, which concluded that the country faces significant risks to its fuel, electricity, and water supplies.

According to the government, the crisis has been driven by several external factors. These include rising global oil and petroleum product prices, instability caused by the conflict in the Middle East, temporary disruptions to Kazakh oil exports through the Novorossiysk terminal, and critically low water levels in the Danube River, which have complicated fuel transportation logistics. At the same time, continued Russian strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure have reduced the region's ability to provide mutual support through interconnected power systems.

The prolonged drought has become an additional source of concern. A sharp decline in the water level of the Dniester River, which supplies most of Moldova's drinking water, has prompted the authorities to declare a hydrological alert and begin preparations for possible water consumption restrictions.

For Prime Minister Vasile Tofan's new government, the crisis has become its first major challenge shortly after taking office. In the coming weeks, the effectiveness of measures aimed at managing electricity demand, securing additional power supplies, and coordinating with European partners is expected to become one of the key indicators of the cabinet's performance.

 

The current situation highlights the continued vulnerability of Moldova's energy sector to external shocks. Despite significantly reducing its dependence on Russian gas in recent years and increasing electricity imports from Romania and other EU countries, Moldova's power system remains closely linked to regional infrastructure. Any disruptions in Ukraine, fluctuations in European energy prices, or problems with fuel logistics are quickly reflected in the country's domestic energy balance.

The crisis also demonstrates how energy security and climate change have become increasingly interconnected. The drought has reduced the availability of water resources while simultaneously driving up electricity demand due to record-high temperatures, placing additional pressure on the power grid precisely when import opportunities are limited.

CCBS Expert Group

#ANALYSIS

#MOLDOVA

06.08.2026 08:51