Moldova’s parliament voted early Friday to impose a national state of emergency for 60 days starting Monday due to an expected cut-off of Russian gas supplies from Jan. 1.
Some 56 members of the 101-seat chamber approved the measure in the vote just after midnight.
Moldova receives Russian natural gas via Ukraine, which has said it will not extend its transit contract with Russian gas giant Gazprom. The contract expires on Dec. 31.
The national state of emergency begins Monday.
The Moldovan government has warned of the risk of a complete stoppage of gas supplies to the breakaway republic of Transnistria and potential disruptions to electricity delivery on the right bank of the Dniester River. Pro TV reported, that the Moldovan government is preparing measures to address any potential energy crisis.
Earlier this year, Ukrainian officials announced plans to end the transit of Russian gas and oil to Europe beginning in 2025. However, Kyiv has said it remains open to facilitating transit from other countries, according to Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak.
