Dmitry Kuleba
(Photo: Francisco Seco / Reuters)
Russia “restricts” gas exports to the EU in order to further raise the cost of fuel and exacerbate the energy crisis. This was stated by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba, reports “Interfax-Ukraine”.
“I would like to draw special attention to energy security, which is now at stake in Central Europe. Russia continues to blackmail and use gas as a weapon in international relations. The goal is to undermine the unity in Europe, ”said Kuleba.
Gas futures in Europe have surpassed $ 900 again. Infographics
Russia and Ukraine signed a gas transit contract at the end of 2019. In accordance with the agreement, Gazprom is obliged to pump through Ukraine at least 225 billion cubic meters. meters of gas for 2020-2024, of which 65 billion cubic meters. m in 2020 and 40 billion cubic meters each. m – in subsequent years.
This fall, the growth of exchange prices for gas in Europe reached record levels, including due to a shortage in storage facilities, the reserves of which were at a ten-year low – 75 against 94% last year. This happened against the background of Gazprom’s decision not to book additional capacities for the transit of natural gas through Ukraine for November. Gazprom said that the volume of gas supplied is in line with the signed contracts and the company “continues to supply gas at a level close to its historically record high”. According to President Vladimir Putin, the rise in prices was the result of a shortage of electricity, which arose due to a decrease in production at wind farms in Europe.
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