Russian Gas Supplies To Romania Halted

Romanian Economy Minister Adriean Videanu called an urgent meeting with the representatives of the National Energy Authority ANRE, oil company Petrom, gas pipeline operator Transgaz and gas distributor Distrigaz, for talks on the issue, according to official sources.

“Alternative fuels, coal or fuel oil, will be provided to the thermal plants" the sources stated.

Authorities proposed Tuesday that thermal power plants should reduce their consumption and switch to alternative fuels, such as coal or fuel oil in order to cover the gas deficit.

Russian natural gas supplies to Romania via the other gas import station, Isaccea, were cut Tuesday morning.

Romania’s current daily gas consumption is at 61.5 million cubic meters, out of which 33 million cubic meters come from local production, 26 million cubic meters from storage facilities, while 2.5 million cubic meters are imported through Mediesul Aurit gas import station and 4.7 million cubic meters, through Isaccea gas import station.

Thermal plants have fuel oil and coal stocks for 10-12 days.