Moldova confirms blast on Russian gas transit pipeline

Moldova on Wednesday confirmed that a blast had occurred on a major Russian gas transit pipeline to the Balkans, according to Reuters.

"I can confirm there was an explosion on a gas pipeline," Moldovan government spokesman Vitalie Condratchi said.

Itar-Tass news agency reported earlier on Wednesday that Russian gas supplies to the Balkans were suspended. The government spokesman declined to say anything about gas supplies.

Bulgaria is getting Russian gas via alternative pipelines despite the blast, Bulgargaz chief executive Dimitar Gogov told Reuters.