Russia is ready to provide a discount on gas for Moldova provided that Moldovan authorities refuse to cooperate with the European Union in the energy sector, reports Gazeta.ru correspondent citing Energy Minister Alexander Novak.
"Russia proposes that Moldova first denounce the Protocol on the EU energy cooperation agreement. This is the condition under which we can consider lowering the price of gas supplied to Moldova," said Novak.
In addition, according to the Minister, Moldova should settle an outstanding debt of $ 4.1 billion.  The Minister also reiterated that gas prices for Moldova are the same as for European consumers.
"Now, to our knowledge, prices are set at $ 392 for the first half the year. Moldova wants a 30% discount, " Mr. Novak said.
The minister said that in October 2011, Moldova signed a protocol of their accession into the EU energy cooperation agreement, which means that by 1 January 2015 Moldova should implement a third energy package.
"Of course it does not suit us," said Novak.
Last week, The European Commission announced an antitrust investigation into the Russian gas giant "Gazprom" for three possible antitrust, anticompetitive actions. A week later, President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on measures to protect Russian interests in the implementation of Russian legal entities of foreign trade