The transmission capacity of the Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline fell to 40 percent on Thursday. Russia claims that the decline is due to the necessary repairs to the pipeline, which connects Russia with Germany along the bottom of the Baltic Sea.
Relationship with the state of the gas pipeline
The reduction of Russian gas supplies to Germany, and thus to other European Union countries, took place on the same day as the leaders of four European countries went to Kiev: Germany, France, Italy and Romania. However, according to Moscow, the decline in Nord Stream 1’s transport capacity has nothing to do with this visit. The pipeline is said to need repairs that will last longer than originally expected.
Rising gas prices
However, Germany rejected such an explanation, stating that the shutdown of up to 60 percent of the pipeline capacity was not technically justified. According to Berlin, Moscow’s main goal was to increase gas prices on the European market. The gas really rose by 30 percent.
If the shutdown lasted even longer, or even if supply came to a complete halt, it would be a serious problem for the European Union. But Brussels is reassured that the energy security of the 27 is not directly threatened.
