Moldova declares 60-day energy and hydrology state of emergency

September 26, 2026 at 10:04 AM1 min

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Moldova's parliament approved a 60-day state of emergency in the energy and hydrology sectors starting September 26, 2026. The measure follows a September 21 Supreme Security Council meeting chaired by President Maia Sandu and grants the National Crisis Management Commission expanded powers. Prime Minister Vasile Tofan cited three overlapping regional crises, including a 50% gas price surge above the tariff baseline.

Key Facts

The state of emergency took effect on September 26, 2026, for 60 days.
Gas prices have risen 50% above the level set in the current tariff due to the situation in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Dniester River basin, which supplies water to the 700,000-strong Chișinău agglomeration, has dropped to critical levels.
The National Crisis Management Commission can now make emergency purchases without tender and temporarily change tariff, tax, and excise rules.
The pro-Russian Party of Socialists (PSRM), led by ex-president Igor Dodon, opposed the emergency and proposed urgent talks with alternative suppliers, primarily Russia.

Emergency Powers

The National Crisis Management Commission gains authority to conduct accelerated equipment purchases without tender. It may issue binding temporary decisions on energy import-export and distribution, set electricity supply priorities, and restrict water consumption. If prices spike, the commission can temporarily alter rules on tariffs, taxes, and excises.

Opposition Response

The Party of Socialists (PSRM), led by ex-president Igor Dodon, opposed the state of emergency. Dodon claimed the government is using the emergency to conclude secret contracts and implement non-transparent schemes. The PSRM proposed urgent negotiations with alternative energy suppliers, primarily Russia. Energy expert Sergiu Tofilat called the PSRM statement pure populism, noting Gazprom lacks capacity to supply Moldova via the Turkish Stream route.