Gazprom Cuts Gas Supply to Germany by Up to 20%... Also Reduces Supply to Italy

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Russian state-owned gas company Gazprom has reportedly reduced the amount of gas supplied to Germany through the Nord Stream 1 pipeline to 20% of its maximum capacity and also cut gas supplies to Italy. This is interpreted as a retaliatory measure in response to the European Union (EU) proposing consumption reduction plans to lower member states' dependence on Russian gas.

According to Bloomberg on the 27th (local time), German gas pipeline operator Gascade stated in a press release that "As of 8 a.m. on the 27th, 1.28 million cubic meters per hour, about 20% of the maximum transport capacity, was supplied through the Nord Stream 1 pipeline." Previously, Gazprom had announced the need for additional repairs to the pipeline turbines and said gas supply should be further reduced to 20%.

Gazprom had stopped supplying gas through the Nord Stream 1 pipeline from the 11th due to turbine inspections, resumed supply at about 40% after ten days, and has now reduced the supply again to 20%, half of the previous level. Klaus M?ller, head of the German Federal Network Agency, said, "As Gazprom had announced, gas supply has decreased," adding, "We will monitor the level at which it stabilizes going forward."

In Italy, which also has a high dependence on Russian gas along with Germany, Russia's gas reduction has begun. Italy's largest energy company, Eni, stated in a press release that "Gazprom's gas supply has been reduced from the previous 3,400 cubic meters to about 2,700 cubic meters, a decrease of approximately 21%."

The Italian government is concerned that gas shortages will worsen significantly from early next year. Roberto Cingolani, Italy's Minister for Ecological Transition, said at a press conference, "If Russia completely stops gas supply from the end of this year when winter begins, gas shortages will worsen from February next year," emphasizing, "More stringent gas-saving measures are needed to prepare for the worsening situation."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.