Russia stops supplying Europe with gas via Ukraine

Posted by Oilism.com on January 7th, 2009 at 05:43am

KIEV - On Wednesday Russia shut down all gas deliveries intended for the European market through the pipelines in the Ukraine because of the gas conflict between Kiev and Moscow.

This is said by the Ukrainian national gas company Naftogaz. About 80 percent of Russian natural gas that is destined for Europe passes through pipelines in Ukraine.

Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is without any Russian gas. Local news agency CTK reported Wednesday all supplies of Russian gas are interrupted. Gas company RWE Transgas has taken steps to increase imports from Norway to help people who are trapped without gas.

Austria & Romania
Austria also announced Wednesday that all gas supplies from Russia are stopped. Futher more Romania reported not receiving any more gas from Russia since Wednesday. Tuesday, the gas supplies to Romania were already down by 75 percent.

Supplies
Gazprom chief executive Alexei Miller said Tuesday that if the Ukraine does not pass the gas to Europe, there is no point supplying this country with gas. Kiev and Moscow are arguing over an unpaid gas bill and the gas prices in general. Three years ago, Russia turned off the gas tap to Ukraine due a similar dispute.

Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko asked Russia in a letter to President Dmitri Medvedev to resume gas deliveries to European countries immediately.

Criticism EU summit on Russian oil conflict
José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission, thinks it is unacceptable that Russia stopped supplying oil & gas to Western Europe. Barroso said this today after consultations with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who joined in the criticism against Russia.

Especially German and Polish refineries are the victims of the oil conflict. Russia closed yesterday by the oil Belarus to these countries. In a package of proposals from the European Commission, which will be presented tomorrow, has been clear that the EU should take action to reduce the reliance on Russia as an energy supplier. Half of the oil in Europe comes from Russia. According to a report, the European economy will crash sooner or later when the energy policies are not drastically changed. Barroso askes for joint energy policy in Europe.

Under Oil Price 2009+ Oil and gas+ Oil business+ Oil politics+ Russian Oil & Gas