Moldovan parliament declares nationwide state of emergency in energy, hydrological sectors for 60 days

Chisinau, 22 September 2026 – The parliament has declared a nationwide state of emergency in the energy and hydrological sectors for a period of 60 days. According to the draft decision voted on by lawmakers, the state of emergency will start on 26 September 2026.

The declaration of the state of emergency aims to prevent fuel shortages and ensure the continuity of electricity, natural gas and district heating supplies. The measures also seek to manage the hydrological deficit in the basins of the Dniester and Prut rivers, ensure the supply of drinking water, secure vital water intake facilities and mitigate the economic impact on vulnerable consumers during the autumn-winter period.

During the state of emergency, the National Crisis Management Commission will be able to make decisions regarding the procurement, creation of stockpiles and distribution of energy resources. The temporary restriction of exports from strategic storage facilities and the prioritization of import flows and customs clearance procedures for fuels will also be possible.

To protect the population and economic sectors from price shocks, the authorities will be able to temporarily regulate price-cap mechanisms, as well as the logistics and commercial margins. Excise duties and taxes may also be reviewed and temporarily adjusted in order to maintain affordable tariffs.

To maintain energy supplies and protect critical infrastructure facilities, rules may be established regarding the use of interconnection capacities for electricity exports and the prioritization of supplies to vital consumers. Programmes to reduce non-essential electricity consumption in the public and industrial sectors during peak hours may also be implemented, in order to protect household consumers and critical infrastructure from potential interruptions. Another measure envisaged for the duration of the state of emergency is the granting of technical exemptions for district heating systems, in order to adjust their thermal operating regime without the application of financial penalties.

To maintain the operation of energy infrastructure and strengthen national response capacity, the mobilization of state reserves, the facilitation of direct procurement of materials and equipment for emergency interventions meant for system operators, as well as the application of procedures adapted to the crisis situation are envisaged.

In the context of the hydrological deficit and the need to ensure water supplies, the National Crisis Management Commission will be able to order temporary and proportionate measures to prioritize the use of water resources, as well as the mobilization of available pumping equipment and autonomous energy sources.

During the state of emergency, licensed operators will be required to report available stocks daily, create dedicated corridors for the transportation of fuels and simplify administrative formalities.

The measures ordered by the National Crisis Management Commission during the state of emergency will be mandatory and enforceable for public authorities and institutions, economic operators and citizens.

The state of alert in the energy and hydrological sectors, previously declared by the government, expires on 25 September.

 

Communication and Public Relations Directorate of Moldova’s Parliament