Bloomberg with reference to two informed sources reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to achieve from the European Union (EU) changes to the rules of the game in the gas market and benefit from a sharp rise in price of fuel.
It is noted that in Moscow’s plans to solve two questions: Returning to long-term gas contracts instead of spot purchases and accelerating the certification of the Nord Stream-2 gas pipeline for speedy launch. Despite the energy crisis in Europe, the Kremlin does not feed the illusions about the concessions from the EU, told the agency an official close to the head of state.
Since the beginning of September, gas prices in Europe began to grow due to lack of coal and redirects of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in Asia. On September 6, futures in the next updated the historical maximum, approaching the price of $ 2,000 per thousand cubic meters. Some European companies had to close due to the high prices for gas. So, several energy companies stopped in the UK.
In early October, Putin said that Europeans were mistaken, going from long-term contracts for gas purchases. He also said that Russia is ready to increase gas supplies to Europe to stabilize prices. After the statement of the President, the gas fell in price and on Wednesday traded 1000 dollars per thousand cubic meters. At the same time, the spokesperson of the head of state, Dmitry Peskov, said on October 13, that Moscow exports maximum gas volumes to Europe and cannot increase supplies.