The imports of natural gas from Russia will cover between 8% and 9% of Romania’s consumption this year, up from 2.4% last year.

Moreover, Russian gas will cover about 40% of the national consumption this winter because the suppliers acquired more imported gas, which was cheaper compared to the gas produced in Romania, said Niculae Havrilet, president of the National Energy Authority ANRE, reports local News.ro.

The gas imports began to grow in September, reaching 30% of the consumption. In winter, the share could reach 40%.

The only external gas supplier of Romania is Gazprom, which has the monopoly of Russian gas exports. But Romania doesn’t directly import gas from Gazprom, but via intermediaries.

Last year the gas from import was more expensive compared to the gas produced domestically.

editor@romania-insider.com