- The EU called for a 15% reduction in gas use in the coming months.
- Russia claims technical problems, but Europe does not believe this claim.
- The Kremlin alleges delays in delivery papers for Siemens turbine from Canada.
Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that gas supplies through the Nord Stream 1 pipeline may be reduced or even stopped in the future. Following these statements, the European Union asked its member states to reduce gas use by 15% by next year.
Although the pipeline will renew delivery after a ten-day interruption in supply, this new threat from Russia’s first president is causing concern throughout the European continent.
The flow will resume but below the capacity of 160 million cubic meters (mcm) per day. Interruptions in gas deliveries increase the danger of rationing and generate a blow to the European economy. Particularly if Russia decides to further restrict supplies in retaliation for Western economic sanctions over the war in Ukraine.
“Russia is blackmailing us. Russia is using energy as a weapon. And, therefore, in any case, whether it is a partial and major cut-off of Russian gas or a total cut-off of Russian gas. Europe must be prepared.“ reported European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
This EU rationing measure will be discussed on Friday so that it can be approved on July 26.
“We believe that a total disruption is likely. If we wait, it will be more expensive and will mean that we will dance to Russia’s tune” indicated an EU official.
The European states’ distrust of Russia is based on the fact that Vladimir Putin refers to technical problems to reduce gas deliveries. The Kremlin blames economic sanctions for the reduction of energy flow.
Gazprom reduced gas exports to 40% in June. The Russian state blamed the delay in the return of a Siemens Energy turbine under repair in Canada. Although in recent days it was reported that the turbine would be returned to its country of origin Gazprom said it did not receive the necessary documentation to reinstall it. It also added the need for maintenance for the turbine.
Because of the war and subsequent sanctions on Russia the price of gas shot upwards. The first month’s gas contract exceeded €160 per MWh, a 360% increase year-on-year.
Putin stated that Gazprom is not to blame for the reduction of gas transit capacity through a network of pipelines to Europe. He blamed Ukraine for the closure of a key route through that country, although Ukrainian authorities denied that there is such a closure.
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