State of economic emergency will be introduced in the PMR

On December 11, the Supreme Council will consider the issue of introducing a state of emergency in the economy in Pridnestrovie. The text of the corresponding presidential decree is being prepared. Members of the Security Council of the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic voted for the introduction of a special legal regime, the presidential press service reports. The meeting of the Security Council was devoted to the main issue – providing the republic with energy resources. The Chairman of the Supreme Council Alexander Korshunov took part in the meeting.

Vadim Krasnoselsky noted that there is no 100% guarantee of either gas supply or its absence today. Actions were discussed in conditions of gas supply, partial gas supply and its complete absence in the course of the Security Council meeting.

First Deputy Chairman of the Government of the PMR Sergey Obolonik spoke about the work that was carried out throughout the current year to assess risks in the energy sector and develop response measures in the event of a reduction in volumes or termination of gas supply in order to minimize negative consequences and create conditions for the life support of citizens of Pridnestrovie and the preservation of the country's infrastructure. The speaker reported that the Moldavian GRES will be converted to coal, which will allow the republic to meet its humanitarian needs for electricity for 50 days in the event of a gas supply interruption to the republic. This concerns the supply of electricity to residential buildings, social institutions, as well as to enterprises producing food products and to organizations that ensure the vital activity of citizens.

Alternative heat supply mechanisms was discussed in the course of the meeting. Instructions were given related to the acquisition or manufacture of the necessary equipment, the formation and distribution of reserves of diesel and solid fuel. The issue of temporary suspension of the activities of individual organizations, the unification or consolidation of teams to heat smaller areas, and transfer to remote work, if possible, was worked out.

As for water supply: cold water will be supplied regardless of the availability of gas. A significant part of the meeting was devoted to ensuring food security in conditions of a shortage or absence of gas supply. They talked about each vital line of food products. Only one in Tiraspol of the three Pridnestrovian bakeries has electric ovens. This enterprise will be able to produce 48 tons of bread per day (with the combined use of gas and electric equipment, up to 65 tons are produced). The Pridnestrovian consumer will generally be provided for. The production of rye bread and confectionery will be suspended if necessary. No problems are expected with meat, milk, cereals and vegetables.

The President heard reports from the heads of each ministry and department on the readiness of each ministry and department for a possible lack of gas supply. They discussed priority measures that need to be taken today. Vadim Krasnoselsky instructed among other things to prepare premises for heating citizens who find themselves in a difficult situation. 

Vadim Krasnoselsky held a meeting with the Chairman of the Supreme Council Alexander Korshunov and the leadership of the executive branch of government after the Security Council meeting. The meeting continued the discussion of a possible energy crisis. The President emphasized that the likelihood of stopping gas supplies to Pridnestrovie is an issue that may remain open until December 31.

The President instructed the Government and legislators to take all necessary measures to ensure the life support of the republic. It was noted that the situation with the lack of gas supply may acquire the character of a humanitarian-technical disaster in a negative scenario. The overall objective is to minimize the consequences. The heads of state administrations are responsible for the implementation of the tasks set by the country's leadership at the local level. They will head local headquarters. Joint meetings of government representatives with the heads of various enterprises of the republic are forthcoming to develop an action plan for ensuring food security. 

The President in addition instructed responsible officials to continue negotiations with representatives of Russia, Moldova and other states related to gas transit. They said at the meeting that contacts with them on the situation in the energy sector have been carried out since the beginning of the year. Active correspondence was conducted. Meetings were organized. Various scenarios were jointly worked out. The Pridnestrovian delegation was in Moscow. It was noted that the Russian side is deeply immersed in the essence of the problem. Comprehensive information on the negative economic, humanitarian and social consequences of stopping the gas supply was conveyed to officials. There are decisions on the part of Inter RAO regarding the provision of Pridnestrovians with electricity in the event of a cessation of natural gas supplies to the republic. All technical aspects have been worked out.