Moscow, Aug 2 (IANS): Moldova is set to reduce its reliance on Russian gas in anticipation of cutbacks in supply by Russian energy company Gazprom, Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Spinu said on Tuesday, according to reports by Moldovan media.

The impoverished former Soviet Republic on Ukraine's western border is heavily reliant on Gazprom for its gas supplies and on Moscow for its financing, dpa news agency reported.

"We have to learn how to save. We believe that Moldova can save 15 per cent of its gas consumption, much like the countries of the European Union," Spinu said.

He added that the government in Chisinau was making preparations for various scenarios, including a complete shutdown in gas supplies.

Moldova has declared itself neutral in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and has not imposed sanctions on Russia. But political leaders are seeking closer ties to the European Union, and the country was given candidate status in June at the same time as Ukraine.

The government concluded a five-year gas supply contract with Gazprom on November 1 last year, with the condition that the annual quantity to be supplied should be agreed two months before the end of the contractual year, effectively at the end of August.

Moldova has not as yet received any response from Gazprom. Spinu insisted the country would have gas through the winter, if not from Gazprom, then from other suppliers.