Moldova has declared a 30-day state of alert in both its energy and hydrological sectors after worsening fuel shortages and declining water levels raised concerns over national energy security and public utilities.
Government officials said the emergency measures were prompted by several converging factors, including rising global oil and diesel prices, instability caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, a temporary suspension of Kazakh crude exports through Russia’s Novorossiysk terminal, and historically low water levels along the Danube River.
The country’s commercial diesel reserves have fallen significantly, dropping from 17.6 days of supply at the end of June to just 6.9 days. As of Sunday, 53 fuel stations had reportedly exhausted their diesel supplies, prompting fears of wider shortages if market conditions deteriorate further.
To stabilise the situation, authorities have introduced emergency measures designed to accelerate fuel imports, simplify customs procedures, establish priority border “green corridors,” and discourage speculative fuel purchases. Diesel and gasoline exports from the Port of Giurgiulesti will only be permitted if domestic reserve thresholds are maintained.
Alongside the energy measures, Moldova has also declared a hydrological alert after water levels in the Dniester River basin declined sharply. Officials warned that reduced releases from the Novodnistrovsk reservoir could affect drinking water availability in several regions.
Authorities are now assessing alternative water sources, preparing emergency reserve wells, and increasing monitoring of national water resources to reduce the risk of supply disruptions.
The dual emergency highlights how geopolitical tensions, volatile energy markets, and climate-related pressures are increasingly affecting national infrastructure and resource security across Eastern Europe.
