- Robert Plummer
- BBC News
39 minutes ago
image source, Gazprom
Prom publishes oil leak pictures
Russian energy company Gazprom said: The Russian gas pipeline to Germany will not be operational as planned on Saturday (Sept. 3).
The company stated that An oil leak was found at the impeller of the Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline, causing the pipeline to be closed indefinitely.
The pipeline has been closed for the past three days, Gazprom argues. to perform maintenance work
The news comes amid growing concerns that EU citizens will not be able to afford heating this winter.
Energy prices have soared since Russia invaded Ukraine. And scarcity could drive costs even further.
Europe is trying to cut down on Russia’s energy consumption. to try to reduce the ability of the Russian government to spend money on war But this change might be too slow.
Charles Michel, President of the Council of Europe, said that Russia’s attitude “Not a surprise”
“Using gas as a weapon will not cause the EU to change its decision. We will accelerate our progress towards energy independence. Our duty is to protect our citizens. and support the freedom of Ukraine,” he tweeted.
The Russian government has denied using it as an economic weapon in response to sanctions imposed by Western nations after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Russia has said The sanctions delayed routine maintenance of the Nord Stream 1 pipeline, but the EU said it was just an excuse.
Bundesnetzagentur Germany’s network regulator said Germany was now better prepared to deal with the halt to Russian gas deliveries. But he asked people and companies to cut back on their consumption.
Gazprom’s announcement came shortly after seven leading industrialized nations, or G7, agreed to limit Russian oil prices in favor of Ukraine.
Group G7 includes the UK, US, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan.
This price limit will allow many countries participating in this policy. Only Russian oil and petroleum products that are transported by sea can be bought at a price that does not exceed the stated price.
However, Russia said It will not be exported to countries participating in this oil price restriction policy.
The pipeline extends from the coast of Russia near St. Petersburg to northern Germany. can support gas transmission of 170 million cubic meters per day
The pipeline is owned by Nord Stream AG, of which Gazprom is a major shareholder.
Germany previously supported the construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline parallel to the Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline, but the project was suspended. After the Russian invasion of Ukraine
Prom gas stated that A problem was detected at the Portovaya natural gas pressure booster station, along with staff from Siemens, the German company that repairs the impeller.
Prom gas stated that Solving the problem of oil leaks in critical machinery like this can only be achieved through the collaboration of experts. which is now hindered by Western sanctions.
However, Siemens said, “Such leaks normally do not affect impeller operation. and be able to seal the leak It is a normal process within the scope of maintenance work.”
This is not the first time the Nord Stream 1 pipeline has been closed since the Ukraine invasion.
In July, Gazprom cut its transmission for 10 days, citing a “maintenance outage”.
image source, EPA
view from a gas pipeline Gas Prom’s headquarters in St. Petersburg can be seen.
Cornelia Meier, energy analyst and economist told the BBC from Bern, Switzerland: Pipeline closures will have a huge impact on employment and commodity prices.
She said the pipeline was large in supplying gas into Europe. The gas price is now four times the price a year ago and this cost of living crisis will increase. Because the problem is not just gas. This is because gas is used in many industrial processes. So it will affect jobs and costs.
Analysis by Theo Leggett, business correspondent.
Gas transmissions through Nord Stream 1 have previously been significantly reduced. And now it’s completely turned off once again.
Gas Prom Claims Oil Spill which previously reduced the transmission of gas through this pipe to various technical issues related to sanctions.
But Europe believes Russian President Vladimir Putin is using gas as a weapon. deliberately reducing the transmission of gas through this pipeline pressures the price of goods higher. in order to test the determination of those who disagree with Russia
The result is Energy costs soar The various department stores and consumers have to bear the burden of increasing costs greatly.
The timing when Gasprom decided to do this was interesting. It happened around the same time that the G7 announced restrictions on Russian oil export prices.
But it happened shortly after Germany. which relies heavily on Russian gas It revealed that the amount of gas stored for winter is increasing faster than expected.
Someone might say This is the last chance for pressure. in order to cause maximum damage during the winter months that lasted for several months