Gazprom-optimal supplier of gas for Moldova-Russian source

MOSCOW, June 19 (Itar-Tass) - Gazprom is the optimal gas supplier for Moldova. This opinion was expressed by a Russian government source.
According to the source, "it is better for Moldova to have one major supplier which is also a transiter, offering a chance to get the most competitive prices".
Cooperation between the two countries in the gas sphere will be
discussed on Friday by Moldovan Prime Minister Zinaida Grechanaya during her visit to Moscow, the source added. She plans talks with Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and Gazprom head Alexei Miller.
Earlier, Moldova insisted on boosting transit of Central Asian gas via the Russian territory to meet its rising requirements. "The question of origin is not important if Russia supplies gas at the same price," the source claimed.
"The situation in the gas market is competitive enough,
and Central Asian gas will come to Moldova at the same price as that of Gazprom," he stated.
"Chisinau is also interested in gasifying the country, but a Central Asian supplier will not do this," the source continued. "It does not make sense for Moldova to seek gas deliveries from Central Asia," he went on to say. The joint venture Moldovagaz makes gas deliveries and its transit across Moldova.
"Gazprom fully meets obligations on gas deliveries," the source
assured, and "payments for delivered gas are made more regularly than in the past".
Cooperation between the two countries in the energy sphere has a great potential for growth, the government source said with confidence.
According to the source, the Russian side is ready to participate in the reform of the Moldovan power industry.