Moscow and Washington are presently discussing the anticipation of resuming gas supply to Europe via the Nord Stream pipeline – Russian abroad Minister Sergei Lavrow revealed in an interview with Channel 1 on Wednesday.
"Now, of course, there are misunderstandings. But is it only in the interests of Russia and the United States to reconstruct average energy supply to Europe? Discussions on Nord Stream pipelines are underway" – said Lavrow. Russian diplomat besides stressed that "fuel costs for Europe and its businesses are respective times higher than for US companies".
Nord Stream after the sabotage attack – is it possible to repair?
Nord Stream pipelines, which had previously been shipped from Russia to Germany under the Baltic Sea, were blown up in September 2022 in an act of sabotage. At present, only 1 of the 4 strands of the pipeline remains intact, which means that costly repairs would be needed before any resumption of supplies would be possible. Before the escalation of the conflict on Ukraine, Nord Stream covered as much as 30% of the EU's yearly gas demand.
The European Union reduces dependence on Russian gas, but are you sure?
Prior to the escalation of the conflict, Moscow supplied 40% of imported gas to the EU. Since then, the Union has reduced this dependency by about 2 thirds, and has officially committed to full withdrawing Russian energy imports by 2027. In 2021, dependence on Russian natural materials amounted to 45%, today, according to data, fell to 10%.
Nevertheless, Russian gas imports to Europe increased by 14% in 2023. About 35 billion miles went through the TurkStream gas pipeline and another 48 billion miles in the form of LNG. Russia continues to account for about 15% of EU gas imports in total.
The Germans are considering returning to Russian gas?
According to German reports,o BILD, among CDU politicians (Christian-Democratic Union) there is simply a discussion on a possible resumption of supply Russian gas through Nord Stream. Thomas Bareiß, MP of the CDU Bundestag, stated on social media that ‘after conclusion of the contract, the gas can re-flow through Nord Stream’.
Jan Heinisch, Vice-President of the CDU in North Rhine-Westphalia, in a conversation with Politico stressed that after the end of the war in Ukraine, a debate on the return to Russian supplies would be necessary.
The German government denies it, but business is pushing
Although Berlin officially rejects the anticipation of returning to Russian gas, German industrialists are increasingly demanding cheaper deliveries. In early March, the PCK refinery's staff council in Schwedt called for the abolition of the embargo on Russian oil and gas, arguing for a hard economical situation and the hazard of occupation losses.
Christian Gunther, head of Infraleuna GmbH, 1 of the largest German chemical companies, believes that inexpensive pipeline gas could improve the condition of the German economy.
Will peace in Ukraine open the way to Russian gas?
According to reports from agencies Bloomberg, any German companies anticipate to resume gas supply from Russia if a peace agreement is concluded in Ukraine. The reason is the rising energy prices that hit European industry.
Friedrich Merz, possible future German Chancellor, in an interview with The Economist stated that ‘for now’ does not envisage a return to Russian gas, but has not ruled out specified a script in the long term.
The gas crisis in Europe – do we face shortages?
Europe can face another gas crisis after an highly cold winter, during which more than 10 billion ml of gas has been burned. Resources in EU magazines have fallen to 35%, the lowest level in 3 years. In addition, on 1 January Ukraine halted the transit of Russian gas to Europe, removing another 10 billion ml of natural material from the market.
In this situation, discussions on the possible resumption of supply by Nord Stream may gain importance – especially if Russia and the US scope an agreement.
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Russia and the US are having discussions on the re-launch of Nord Stream
