Moldova has restored its ability to import electricity from European markets after Ukraine completed repairs to a key cross-border power line, but now the authorities warn that fuel reserves have turned critically low. The Isaccea-Vulcănești line, damaged during a Russian attack on March 23, has been fully repaired and tested, the Moldovan Ministry of Energy said, according to Newsmaker, which reported on March 28.

The ministry said Ukrainian specialists had tested the line under load and confirmed its safe and stable operation. Despite the restoration, officials urged continued restraint in electricity use.

“Connection capacity has been restored. However, this does not mean that calls for rational energy use have lost their relevance,” the ministry said, adding that excessive consumption “places an additional burden on the national energy system”.

Fuel supplies, in turn, remain strained. The Ministry of Energy said on March 27 that petrol reserves would last around two weeks, while diesel stocks were sufficient for only one week. Gasoline supplies are estimated at about 15 days of consumption, liquefied petroleum gas for 13 days, and diesel for seven days. Moldova has no refinery on its territory.

In response, authorities have introduced emergency measures. The energy regulator ANRE has been instructed to calculate regulated fuel prices based on a rolling five-day average of international quotations, replacing the usual two-week methodology. The government has also banned the sale of higher-priced diesel with additives and allowed Lukoil stations to resume operations to sell existing stock.

Supply deliveries have continued but remain limited. On March 26, Moldova imported 1,480 tonnes of diesel and more than 400 tonnes of gasoline. Most shipments arrived through the Giurgiulesti International Free Port, with smaller volumes entering via the Leușeni customs post.

Authorities have also imposed retail controls, including a limit of 20 litres per person for fuel sold in canisters, while reminding stations they cannot refuse service. ANRE has instructed importers to submit realistic five-day procurement plans and maintain April import volumes at least at March levels to rebuild reserves.