The Transnistrian Region on the Verge of Economic Collapse | Exports Drop by 60%, and the Energy Crisis Deepens

The Economy of the Transnistrian Region Is in a Critical Situation, According to Statements by Separatist Leaders in Tiraspol

At today’s crisis cell meeting, authorities announced that several enterprises have shifted to night shifts due to the energy crisis, while exports have dropped by 60%. Experts estimate that the situation could worsen in February.

Following the suspension of natural gas supplies by Gazprom, most enterprises in the region have halted operations, except those in the food industry. In recent days, some companies have started operating at night, and the list is growing. The management of the Rîbnița Metallurgical Plant announced that the facility would remain closed until January 20.

Significant Economic Impact
Alexandru Rosenberg, the so-called prime minister of the Transnistrian region, stated that imports have decreased by 43%, while exports have fallen by 60%, resulting in losses of approximately $3.3 million. The most significant declines are recorded in the metals, engineering materials, and chemical industries, while cement exports have been entirely suspended.

“The region is in very difficult, almost critical conditions. The lack of exports further exacerbates the economic situation,” Rosenberg stated.

Economic expert Veaceslav Ioniță highlighted that the lack of foreign currency reserves in the region further complicates the ability to purchase energy resources. “For now, they can survive due to coal reserves and some commercial activities. However, in the long term, the situation is difficult to manage,” he explained.

Energy and Social Problems
The power plants in the region, such as those in Cuciurgan and Dubăsari, are not producing enough electricity to meet consumption demands. Separatist authorities have announced new power outages, which will affect residents in Tiraspol, Tighina, and other localities for five hours a day.

As temperatures are expected to drop to minus 6 degrees Celsius, people are resorting to improvised heating solutions. This has led to an increase in cases of carbon monoxide poisoning and fires. Recently, three fires caused by short circuits and improper stoves were reported, and a 10-year-old child was hospitalized.

“We’ve lost everything. The kitchen and rooms were completely burned, and the windows and doors need to be replaced,” said a resident affected by a fire.

Temporary Measures and Solutions
While some stores and establishments are operating with the help of generators or flashlight lighting, residents in security zone areas, such as Varnița and Copanca villages, are also affected. Premier Energy has submitted the necessary documents to connect these localities to the power system on the right bank of the Dniester River.

It is worth noting that the government in Chișinău has repeatedly offered assistance to Tiraspol, including for the purchase of gas from the European market. However, responses from the separatist authorities have been slow to arrive.