Minister of Energy Dorin Junghietu paid a working visit to the oil fields in Văleni to assess the condition of the existing infrastructure and the prospects for developing the exploitation of hydrocarbon resources in the Republic of Moldova.

The visit takes place in the context of the Ministry of Energy’s intention to initiate a geological reassessment of the deposits and the subsoil potential in the southern part of the country. The possibility of conducting a new geological study and, potentially, additional exploratory drilling is being considered to determine whether there are grounds for expanding oil and gas production in the Republic of Moldova.

The Văleni field is the only known and exploited oil field in the Republic of Moldova. Initial exploration and drilling began in the 1950s, while industrial production started in 1956. Subsequently, operations were reduced in the context of the development of major oil fields in Siberia.

Following the expiry of the concession agreement in 2020, the assets returned to state ownership in 2023. In June 2024, the Ministry of Environment signed agreements with the State Enterprise “Hydrogeological Expedition of Moldova” concerning geological research and the exploitation of the Văleni crude oil field and the natural gas deposits in the Victorovca area.

Over the past two years, inventory and technical assessment works have been carried out on the existing infrastructure, including testing the quality of the extracted crude oil in cooperation with specialized laboratories and companies from Romania, as well as the modernization of certain infrastructure components. At present, 18 extraction pumps are operated daily at Văleni, with production reaching approximately 300 tonnes of crude oil per month.

At Victorovca, approximately 10,000 cubic metres of natural gas are also extracted each month and sold to a licensed local operator.

“The Republic of Moldova has long been perceived as a country without its own hydrocarbon resources. However, the existence of the Văleni and Victorovca deposits demonstrates that our country’s subsoil remains insufficiently explored. It is important to realistically assess this potential and determine whether there are viable development opportunities, using modern technologies and current geological research standards. We are not talking about oil independence, but every local resource that is efficiently developed means greater energy security, stronger industrial expertise and increased economic activity for the Republic of Moldova,” Minister of Energy Dorin Junghietu stated.

The Ministry of Energy intends to technically reassess the existing wells and prepare a feasibility study on further geological research and exploitation of the deposits. At the same time, the authorities will assess the feasibility of attracting the investment and expertise needed to continue oil and gas exploration in the southern part of the Republic of Moldova.