EBA Participates in the National Forum “Liberalization of the Natural Gas Market in Moldova”
EBA, represented by Mariana Rufa, participated in the panel discussion “Navigating the Liberalized Natural Gas Market: Strategies for Consumers and Future Prospects,” moderated by Ms. Veronica Herta, Executive Director of Green City Lab Moldova.
In her remarks, Ms. Rufa reiterated the imperative of free competition in an emerging market undergoing liberalization. A key element in this regard is the existence of a credible market operator equipped with a proven technological platform and mechanisms compliant with international standards for market administration—including payment settlement, the establishment of guarantees for participants, and ensuring transparency.
In the Republic of Moldova, BRM EST Moldova, an EBA member, is the operator of the Natural Gas Trading Platform and operates in full compliance with EU regulations.
Another important condition is the existence of a sufficient number of market participants, both sellers and buyers. Although a significant number of traders and suppliers operate in the Republic of Moldova, one of them holds a majority share of the volumes. At the same time, certain constraints regarding the Iași–Ungheni cross-border capacity limit import opportunities for traders.
The third essential condition is ensuring fair competition, equal treatment, and the prevention of abuse of a dominant position.
“At the EBA, we support the creation of a level playing field and believe that the private sector should be allowed to carry out those activities that it can perform more efficiently and transparently than the public sector, without privileges that distort the market,” concluded Mrs. Rufa.