Vadim Krasnoselsky gathered members of the Security Council of the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic for a meeting. The main issue is providing the country with energy resources. Opening the working discussion, the President noted that negative trends have been observed for several years. External factors – the military actions in Ukraine and instability in Moldova have an adverse effect on the situation in Pridnestrovie, hindering the full and dynamic development of the country's economy. Moreover, risks associated with ensuring the life of the republic are artificially created. Pridnestrovie has previously faced challenges based on limited gas supplies, and coped with it. It is necessary to overcome any kind of difficulties on a national scale to consolidate efforts, timely develop solutions, and carry out preparatory measures designed to minimize negative consequences, Vadim Krasnoselsky recalled. He emphasized that the preliminary work was carried out without unnecessary noise and hype, unlike neighboring Moldova, where the gas issue is publicly speculated on. “I would like to remind all of you, all citizens of the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic, that in my interview I once said that when things get difficult, I will definitely say so. It is not in my rules to disturb people before it is necessary, to speculate, to create some kind of information platforms to disturb people. Today there is no 100% guarantee – either for gas supply or for its absence. However, we must prepare for any development of events. We will specifically analyze the actions of each manager, each employee, each organization in the conditions of gas supply, partial gas supply and its complete absence at the Security Council meeting today. I repeat once again: it is impossible to say what the scenario will be, but we must prepare. Everyone must know their place in the ranks so that there is no panic, there is complete organization. A lot depends on this: the fulfillment of tasks, provision of people, and most importantly, people's lives", the President said.
The Minister of Finance of the PMR Alena Ruskevich reported on the current situation with the execution of the 2024 budget on behalf of the President. 2.5 billion rubles were received in the revenue side, which had no specific purpose over 11 months. The plan was exceeded by 10% (+230 million). Salaries and pensions were paid on time and in full. The overfulfillment of the annual revenue plan and the measures taken to reduce expenses by 100 million rubles made it possible to reserve funds for the next year.
First Deputy Chairman of the Government of the PMR Sergey Obolonik spoke about the work that was carried out throughout the current year to assess risks in the energy sector and develop response measures in the event of a reduction in volumes or termination of gas supply in order to minimize negative consequences and create conditions for the life support of citizens of Pridnestrovie and the preservation of the country's infrastructure. The speaker reported that the Moldavian GRES will be converted to coal, which will allow the republic to meet its humanitarian needs for electricity for 50 days in the event of a gas supply interruption to the republic. This concerns the supply of electricity to residential buildings, social institutions, as well as to enterprises producing food products and to organizations that ensure the vital activity of citizens.
They talked about the risks associated with a sharp increase in the load on electrical networks. They mentioned 2009, when the outdated infrastructure of the energy system could not withstand a similar situation. Significant funds have been invested in its modernization since then, so there will not be as many major accidents as a decade and a half ago, assured Sergei Obolonik. He emphasized at the same time the readiness of emergency teams.
Alternative heat supply mechanisms was discussed in the course of the meeting. Instructions were given related to the acquisition or manufacture of the necessary equipment, the formation and distribution of reserves of diesel and solid fuel. The issue of temporary suspension of the activities of individual organizations, the unification or consolidation of teams to heat smaller areas, and transfer to remote work, if possible, was worked out.
As for water supply: cold water will be supplied regardless of the availability of gas.
A significant part of the meeting was devoted to ensuring food security in conditions of a shortage or absence of gas supply. They talked about each vital line of food products. Only one in Tiraspol of the three Pridnestrovian bakeries has electric ovens. This enterprise will be able to produce 48 tons of bread per day (with the combined use of gas and electric equipment, up to 65 tons are produced). The Pridnestrovian consumer will generally be provided for. The production of rye bread and confectionery will be suspended if necessary. No problems are expected with meat, milk, cereals and vegetables. Medicines are imported products, so their supply does not depend on the country's gas supply. Stocks of medicines for six months have been formed todate.
The President heard reports from the heads of each ministry and department on the readiness of each ministry and department for a possible lack of gas supply. They discussed priority measures that need to be taken today. Vadim Krasnoselsky instructed among other things to prepare premises for heating citizens who find themselves in a difficult situation. Lunches at heating points must be provided. Members of the Security Council unanimously decided at the end of the multi-hour meeting on the advisability of introducing a state of economic emergency in Pridnestrovie.
