Transdniestria Grapples with Power Crisis as Gas Supplies Dry Up

Transdniestria, the pro-Russian enclave, is facing a severe power crisis as it grapples with extended blackouts following the cessation of Russian gas supplies through Ukraine on New Year’s Day. Local authorities reported that the region, heavily reliant on gas for its thermal power plant, is now experiencing rolling power cuts, with outages expected to stretch to four hours.

Vadim Krasnoselsky, the self-styled president of Transdniestria, noted that initial hour-long cuts were insufficient to meet rising demand. As industries, except food production, halt operations, regional officials are taking measures to support vulnerable residents as temperatures dip to -10 Celsius (14 Fahrenheit).

Residents have been urged to gather firewood for heating, and caution has been advised regarding faulty heating devices following incidents of carbon monoxide poisoning. Moldova’s government blames Russia for the crisis and calls for alternative gas routes, while Russia denies using gas as a weapon.

The power shortages not only affect Transdniestria but also pose challenges for Moldova, as the enclave provides much of the energy at a fixed price. Prime Minister Dorin Recean has assured that contingency plans are in place, but the situation remains precarious as geopolitical tensions continue to escalate.