Residents of Transnistria face severe energy shortages after Russia halted gas supplies, leading to factory closures and blackouts.

It was previously reported that after Ukraine stopped the transit of Russian gas, central heating and hot water supply were turned off in Transnistria due to the lack of gas supplies. According to the “authorities”, gas reserves in Transnistria will run out within this month.

The move was connected with, but not required by, the expiration at the end of 2024 of Russia’s contract with Ukraine for transit of natural gas to Europe. The looming energy crisis is likely to have a strong negative effect on Moldova’s ruling pro-European Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) in parliamentary elections due in the second half of 2025.

The Moldovan government has stated that the energy crisis in the unrecognised republic of Transnistria, caused by the halt in Russian gas supplies, is part of a broader Russian plan of manipulation and propaganda.

The energy crisis in Transnistria, triggered by Russia's Jan. 1 cutoff of gas supplies, is part of a broader Russian plan to manipulate and spread propaganda, Moldovan government spokesperson Daniel Voda said on Jan.