Russia blames Western Sanctions on the Cut in Gas Flow from the Nord Stream 1 Pipeline
Earlier this summer, Gazprom also halted gas flows for a scheduled maintenance period. However, many have raised questions due to this pause being unscheduled...
According to Russian officials, the only thing stopping the Nord Stream 1 pipeline from pumping Russian gas is sanctions. The news comes as Gazprom announced it will shut down the pipeline for maintenance as the pipeline remains a key route for Russian gas flow into Europe. Recently, the flow of gas has been cut down to 20% of the capacity as multiple Gazprom officials, as well as Russian government officials, indicate that Western-imposed sanctions have limited the company’s ability to repair turbines.
Earlier this summer, Gazprom also halted gas flows for a scheduled maintenance period. However, many have raised questions due to this pause being unscheduled. Dmitry Peskov, a Russian spokesperson, said "There are guarantees that, apart from technological problems caused by sanctions, nothing hinders the supplies.”
Europe, as well as the United States, have been running around in search of alternative energy supplies due to the unwanted event of a total gas shutoff from Russia. The EU is estimated to need at least 90% of its natural gas storage facilities to be full in order to have a safe and smooth winter. Even then, the International Energy Agency says that Europe will still face an increased risk of supply disruptions.