Starting April 1, 2026, the public service obligation will no longer apply to large non-household consumers with an annual consumption exceeding 100,000 m³. These consumers will purchase natural gas solely at negotiated prices. Medium non-household consumers, with an annual consumption between 10,000 m³ and 100,000 m³, are scheduled to enter the free market starting April 1, 2027.

Household consumers, small non-household consumers, and institutions or enterprises providing essential social services (healthcare, essential social services, emergency services, security, education, or public administration) will continue to benefit from regulated supply prices but will retain the right to opt for the free market.

These provisions are set out in the decision of the Board of the National Agency for Energy Regulation (ANRE), which establishes the schedule for liberalizing the natural gas market, in accordance with Law no. 108/2016 and Moldova’s international energy commitments.

The phased transition of certain consumer categories to market-based natural gas supply gradually eliminates the regulated regime for large and medium non-household consumers.

Natural gas market liberalization represents a strategic step in modernizing Moldova’s energy sector. By promoting competition and strengthening energy security, the process provides end consumers with access to quality services, fair prices, and greater freedom of choice.

Additionally, this measure is necessary to create a competitive and transparent energy sector. Moldova relies entirely on natural gas imports, and diversification of sources combined with competitive mechanisms reduces monopoly risks, contributes to supply stability, and aligns the national market with European Union standards. Liberalization also lays the groundwork for integration into the regional and European energy market.

The implementation of the liberalization schedule will offer multiple benefits for consumers:

• Access to competitive prices: Supplier competition will lead to more favorable offers.

• Variety of options: Consumers can choose suppliers based on commercial conditions and service quality.

• More efficient services: Competitive pressure will stimulate investments in customer-oriented services and modern supply solutions.

At the same time, the ANRE-approved schedule will help reduce external energy dependency, develop a more resilient domestic market, and fully integrate Moldova into the European energy market, benefiting the national economy and every consumer in the long term.