Putin Orders Gazprom To Pump More Gas to Europe in November

Oct. 28, 2021 (EIRNS)—Russian President Vladimir Putin yesterday ordered Gazprom to pump more gas to Europe, via Germany and Austria, to help fill the European gas storages. That will be done in November after the national gas storages of Russia are filled. President Putin said, “Prices of the so-called spot—short-term—contracts are still above $1,000 per 1,000 cubic meters. The level of gas reserves in European underground storage [UGS] is much lower than the average figure for the last five years.”

The reasons for such a situation have been repeatedly stated earlier, including the decline of gas production in Europe and reduction of liquefied natural gas supplies to European markets, the President pointed out. “The situation in Europe clearly shows how sustainable and reliable cooperation in the energy sphere is important. Gazprom fully honors long-term agreements with European countries.”

Gazprom is ready to continue natural gas injection to European underground gas storage after completion of UGS filling in Russia, said Gazprom CEO Alexei Miller on yesterday. “Certainly, there is no doubt this will improve reliability and stability of supplies during the forthcoming winter season,” he said, remarking that pumping gas to Europe could start after Nov. 8.