According to German Economy Minister Robert Habeck (Greens), Russia wants to cause unrest with the delivery cuts. “The justification given by the Russian side is simply feigned. It is obviously the strategy to create uncertainty and raise prices,” said the Green politician in Berlin.
“Currently, quantities can be purchased on the market, albeit at high prices. At the moment, it is still being stored,” said Habeck. “Security of supply is guaranteed.” However, the situation is being monitored very closely and there is close communication on crisis structures. “However, the current situation also shows that saving energy is the order of the day. And of course we will also take government action if necessary.” Gas storage facilities in Germany were recently about 56% full.
For Germany, Nord Stream 1 is the main Russian gas supply pipeline. The Yamal-Europe line, which runs through Poland, had not been populated before. Russian gas transit through Ukraine is also reduced. Energy prices have increased as a result of the earlier restrictions, among other things because less gas flows from Russia to Europe in general.
A spokeswoman for Siemens Energy said on Wednesday that a second gas turbine, which is also due for scheduled maintenance in 2022, is still in Russia. The company did not provide any information on when exactly the maintenance of this turbine is planned.