Russian Gazprom CEO: "Europe Will Freeze Completely Without Russian Gas Supply"

"At Least 5-7 Days of Severe Cold This Winter"
"European Gas Storage to Plummet to 5% by March Next Year"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Alexey Miller, CEO of Gazprom, a Russian state-owned company, warned that if Russia does not supply gas, all major European cities will freeze this winter, leading to a harsh winter.

According to Russia's TASS news agency on the 12th (local time), Miller attended the Russian Energy Week Forum held in Moscow and warned, "This winter, there will be an abnormal cold spell lasting at least 5 to 7 days, and if there is no gas supply from Russia, all lands and cities in Europe will freeze over."

He said, "Gazprom has supplied Europe with 600 million to 1.7 billion cubic meters of gas daily during peak winter demand periods. However, due to the deterioration of relations between Russia and Europe and the subsequent cutoff of gas supplies, Europe has become heavily dependent on gas stored in underground storage facilities. Even though the current underground gas storage level is around 91%, in the event of extreme cold, it is expected to plummet to 5% by March next year."

He added, "During the few days this winter when gas demand peaks, Europe could face a shortage of 800 million cubic meters per day, or more than 30% of Europe's total daily consumption. Even if Europe barely gets through this winter, the question remains how to refill storage facilities for the winters of 2023 and 2024. It will then become clear that the energy crisis will not end in the short term."

His remarks on the day are interpreted as a move to intensify pressure on Europe regarding gas supply, following statements by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who also attended the forum.

At the forum, President Putin said, "If inspections confirm safe operation, gas can be supplied to Europe, and the damaged Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 pipelines can be repaired. The ball is in the European Union (EU)'s court, and if the EU wants, they just need to open the valve." He also urged negotiations to resume gas supply, saying, "European consumers are gathering firewood like in the Middle Ages ahead of winter."

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