Russia's Gazprom has rejected Moldova's request to reschedule its January gas payment, forcing the country to face a state of emergency in its energy sector, the government said on Wednesday.

Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Spinu said the country was able to pay $38 million out of a total bill of $63 million. However, the government said it would ask the parliament on Thursday to introduce the state of emergency.

Moldova and Gazprom agreed on a five-year contract that began on November 1 with a monthly prepayment date of the 20th day of each month.

(Cover: A view of the former offices of MoldovaGaz Company, November 24, 2021. /CFP)