Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak has blamed the European Union for the problems that have prevented the resumption of gas supplies via the Nord Stream 1 pipeline. He told the EU “not to lay the bloc’s leaders’ fault at Russia’s door.”
- “Right now, the entire problem lies precisely on that side, because all the conditions of the repair contract have been completely violated, along with the terms of shipping of the equipment,” Novak said on Sunday in an interview with Rossiya 1 TV channel.
Gas deliveries via Nord Stream 1 were shut down completely on August 31.
Prior to that, the pipeline under the Baltic Sea had been operating at 40% capacity since June, providing just 67 million cubic meters per day.
The initial reduction in supply was due to a delay returning gas turbines following scheduled maintenance in Canada, which arose as a result of Ottawa’s sanctions on Russia.
- In July, supplies through the pipeline dropped to 20% capacity, as the remaining turbines required an overhaul.
On Friday, Gazprom said shipments would not be resuming following a three-day maintenance break after an engine oil leak was detected in a turbine.
- The company provided no details on the duration of the stoppage.
Source: RT
Header: FILE – Pipes at the landfall facilities of the ‘Nord Stream 2’ gas pipline are pictured in Lubmin, northern Germany, on Feb. 15, 2022. The German government said Wednesday it was triggering the early warning level for gas supplies amid concerns that Russia could cut off supplies unless it is paid in rubles. (AP Photo/Michael Sohn, File)