Gazprom’s latest announcement to further reduce flows through the Nord Stream 1 pipeline is a “politically motivated step”, European Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson said on Tuesday before a meeting with energy ministers. Union (EU) energy in Brussels, Belgium.
“There is no technical reason to do so. This is a politically motivated step, and we have to be ready for it,” said Simson.
“And for that very reason, preemptively reducing our gas demand is a wise strategy.”
On Monday, the Russian state energy company said it will further reduce gas flows through the Nord Stream 1 pipeline from Wednesday, as it shuts down another turbine for repairs. The pipeline is a vital artery connecting Russia’s vast gas reserves to Europe via Germany.
The daily capacity from 7 am (Moscow time) on July 27 will be up to 33 million cubic meters,” the company said in a statement. Nord Stream 1 has a capacity of around 160 million cubic meters per day.
Simson said Gazprom’s announcement “underlined once again that we have to be ready for possible Russian supply cuts at any time.”
“We have to take care of our preparation; we have to face this crisis now and together. And in doing so, we will reduce our demand preemptively,” she continued.
Simson added that he expects EU ministers to have “a political deal” by the end of Tuesday.
Last week, the European Commission presented its plan to reduce Europe’s gas use by 15% by next spring.
Source: CNN Brasil
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