Russia gave to understand Europe, which is ready to increase gas supplies only if approved by the European Regulator of the North Stream-2 pipeline, reports Bloomberg with reference to a source close to Gazprom and the Kremlin.
In exchange for an increase in supply, Russia wants to obtain the approval of Germany and the European Union (EU) to the beginning of the use of the pipeline. “We cannot come to the aid only to compensate for the mistakes we did not”, “the Agency reports the word of the Deputy Chairman of the Council of the Federation Konstantin Kosacheva. According to him, Russia fully fulfills its obligations to supply gas. Europe urged Russia to increase gas supplies due to the rise in prices for fuel and an increasing economic crisis. Additional Russian gas supplies are considered as the main way to avoid even more serious fuel shortage in the winter heating season.
The first thread of “Northern Flow-2” was already filled with technical gas, and commissioning works on the second continue. At the same time, to start deliveries, “Northern Stream-2” must still be certified as an independent operator. This procedure can delay until spring 2022. According to the Oxford Institute of Energy Research, the export of Russian gas to Europe in 2021 increased compared with 2020, but still lagged behind the 2019 indicators. Russian President Vladimir Putin noted that the launch of the Northern Flood-2 will significantly reduce the tension at the European Energy Engineering. However, the president noted administrative barriers that prevent the start of the pipeline.
The Deputy Challenge of the European Commission France Timmermans also stated that Gazprom fully fulfills its contracts for the supply of gas to European buyers. According to him, Europe has no reason to believe that Russia has pressure on the gas market and manipulates them. At the same time, the final resolution from Germany is the last step towards the launch of the Nord-2 gas pipeline. This was previously reported Russian Ambassador to the United Kingdom Andrei Kelin. The diplomat stressed that the gas pipeline is fully ready for use, but the certification process may take several months.