The European Union expects that Russia will not resume gas supplies through the Nord Stream pipeline after supposed "scheduled repairs" are due to be completed. Initially, it should be completed on July 21.
This was stated by the European Commissioner for the Budget, Johannes Hahn, writes Bloomberg.
"We donʼt expect it to come back. We are operating on the assumption that it will not return to work. And in this case, it is necessary to take certain additional measures," he said.
The Nord Stream gas pipeline is due to start operating on July 21, but confidence is growing across Europe that Russia will not resume gas supplies. Because of this, the EU is already preparing a plan of measures for a possible gas crisis. It is planned to be presented on Wednesday, and it will contain recommendations for the member states of the European Union to reduce the use of gas.
- Since June 16, Gazprom has reduced supplies of the Nord Stream gas pipeline to 40% of the nominal capacity, explaining this by the fact that Canada, due to sanctions, did not return the turbine needed for the gas pipeline. On July 17, it was handed over to Germany for return to Russia. From July 11 to July 21, the gas supply through this pipeline was completely stopped.
- On July 14, Russiaʼs Gazprom notified at least three buyers in Europe of a "force majeure" regarding gas supplies. The company sent letters to customers saying that Gazprom was unable to honor long-term gas supply contracts due to "unforeseen circumstances."