The recurring financial dispute could have political repercussions as well for the country’s pro-Western government as it grapples with the geopolitical realities of being dependent on Russia to keep its 2.5 million people warm.

Nearly $80 million is to be released immediately under a programme stretching over 40 months.

A deal is described by the ex-Soviet state’s pro-Western president as a “positive precedent” despite a steep increase in price.

Moldova, one of Europe’s poorest countries in per capita terms, is pressing for a renewal of that deal while pursuing any one of a number of alternative avenues to secure supplies.

Moldova, wedged between Ukraine and Romania, has long been regarded as a watchword for corruption, money laundering, and the trafficking of women to neighbouring countries in Europe as prostitutes.

The new loan followed a joint 110 million euro financial package by the EBRD, European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Union (EU).

Trade between Moldova and the "separatist" area is robust. Transnistria is even part of Moldova's Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA) with the European Union, something unheard of in other "breakaway" ex-Soviet entities.

Parliament endorsed the new government that emerged from the overwhelming July election victory of the pro-EU Party of Action and Solidarity, including President Maia Sandu’s appointment of Natalia Gavrilita as PM.