Russian gas giant Gazprom has granted the Republic of Moldova a two-day extension to settle outstanding payments of nearly $74 million, stepping back from a threat to cut gas exports to the small Eastern European nation, according to AP News.
The original deadline for the payment, which covers the Republic of Moldova’s gas consumption costs for October and November, was Monday. Gazprom had said the money wasn’t received and warned it would cut Moldova’s gas supply if it didn’t come by Wednesday. Officials in Chisinau requested another extension.
“I have just received Gazprom’s response to my request to extend the payment term for current gas consumption,” Republic of Moldova’s Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Spinu said in a statement. “The deadline has been extended until Friday.”
Spinu stated that the government has taken all the necessary measures to pay off the accumulated debt for October-November on Friday.
The due payment was part of a renewed five-year deal in late October between the Republic of Moldova and Russia to extend a longstanding contract that expired in late September, which left the two countries at loggerheads over a price hike.
Gazprom spokesman Sergey Kupriyanov said in a statement on Wednesday that the Republic of Moldova turned to Gazprom with a request not to stop gas supplies from today.
„As an exception, Gazprom showing goodwill and understanding what a difficult situation the citizens of the Republic of Moldova may face, agreed to this request,” said Kupriyanov.
„Gazprom expects the Republic of Moldova to fulfil all its contractual obligations in general and to pay current payments on time,” added Kupriyanov.