MOSCOW

Gazprom, Russia's state-owned energy company, announced Saturday that it will halt natural gas supplies to Moldova starting with the new year on Jan. 1, citing breaches of contract and unresolved payment disputes.

In a statement, Gazprom accused Moldova's gas operator, Moldovagaz, of repeatedly failing to meet payment obligations, describing this as a significant violation of their agreement.

"Due to the Moldovan side's refusal to settle arrears for gas supplies, Gazprom PJSC has formally notified Moldovagaz of its decision to limit natural gas deliveries to the Republic of Moldova to zero cubic meters per day, effective 8:00 a.m. Moscow time (GMT0500) on January 1, 2025," the company said.

Gazprom stated that the restriction will remain in place until Moldovagaz issues a formal written notice requesting the measure be lifted.