Moldova introduces 60-day emergency regime in the energy and water sector due to drought and rising prices

Moldova voted on Tuesday, September 22, to introduce a 60-day state of emergency in the energy and water sectors due to extremely low water levels in the Dniester River and rising energy prices.

Moldova faces “serious hydrological shortages” on both the Dniester River and the Prut River, threatening the country’s water supply, according to a statement from the environment ministry. The agency said the measures will allow authorities to respond more quickly and make the necessary decisions to maintain supplies where needed.

“Special attention is paid to the situation on the Dniester River, which is one of the main sources of water in the Republic of Moldova,” the ministry said in a statement.

The Moldovan legislature approved the measure by 54 votes to 20 (with 22 lawmakers not voting). The state of emergency goes into effect on Saturday.

The decision came a day after Moldovan President Maia Sandu held a meeting of the National Security Council on the “impact of the international energy crisis” on Moldova and on “measures to strengthen national energy resilience” ahead of the winter.

Prime Minister Vasile Tofan said on Tuesday that problems such as drought, conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine have led to higher energy prices and put pressure on Moldova's energy sector.