BEUXBACH, Germany – Natural gas began flowing from Russia to Germany via the main pipeline on Thursday, easing European fears that planned maintenance cuts would be permanent, but did not allay broader concerns that Russia is holding it hostage. energy of the continent.
According to data provided by the German operator Gascade, the flow of gas from the Nord Stream 1 pipeline resumed at 6 am, but at less than half its capacity. The gas was blocked in the pipeline under the Baltic Sea for 10 days.
“We are getting back on gas,” said a spokesperson for Nord Stream, who responded to the company’s media hotline but declined to be named due to the protocol.
It will avoid, at least for now, what the authorities have described as a “nightmare scenario” for Europe’s largest economy with continental and global implications.
But while the update brings some relief, European countries are still bracing for the worst. Fears are high that Russian President Vladimir Putin will use gas as leverage against Western nations supporting Kiev as he continues to attack Ukraine.
Despite the push for diversification, Germany is dependent on Russia for around one third of its gas supply and on France for around one fifth.
The Russian state energy company “Gazprom” has significantly reduced supply to EU countries in recent months, particularly in June, reducing the amount of gas passing through the Nord Stream to 40%. It was unclear whether it would be reduced on Thursday.
“Our shipments should be 40% of what they were before maintenance,” said Gascade spokesperson Uta Kull. But Klaus Müller, head of the German grid regulator, said only 30 percent expectedBased on the so-called candidates in the pipeline, the exporter’s indication of how much volume will be shipped.
After discontinuing supply, Gazprom sought to resort to force majeure, a legal provision used to release a party from contractual obligations in the event of extreme events such as wars, hurricanes or fires.
With high prices and relatively low gas storage levels, the European Commission on Wednesday issued a recommendation to the bloc countries to reduce gas consumption by 15% for the winter.
Germany, one of the most vulnerable countries due to its dependence on Russian energy, is already in the second phase of its natural gas contingency plan.
German consumers are encouraged to save energy in every possible way, from a cold shower to turning off the lights. In municipal buildings the hot water is closed, the fountains are inactive. Some homeowners have already said they can reduce the heat this winter.
The government’s hope is that it doesn’t have to take the last drastic step in contingency planning: market intervention to block gas supplies to certain sectors.
“Russia is blackmailing us,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Wednesday, announcing Europe’s emergency plans. “Europe must be ready,” she added, whether it is a partial gas cut or a major cut.
Germany tried to eliminate any pretext that Russia could use to cut supply. Earlier this month, he urged Canada to lift its sanctions to restore a turbine for the blocked Nord Stream pipeline in Montreal so that Moscow couldn’t use it as an excuse to restrict gas flow.
Source: Washington Post
John Cameron is a journalist at The Nation View specializing in world news and current events, particularly in international politics and diplomacy. With expertise in international relations, he covers a range of topics including conflicts, politics and economic trends.
