Gazprom shrinking gas reserves in USFs across Europe to not increase gas transit via Ukraine – GTS operator
That’s according to the press service of the Gas Transit System Operator of Ukraine (Gas TSO of Ukraine), Ukrinform reports.
It is noted that throughout a 10-day period of repairs at Nord Stream 1 in Germany, the EU countries fell short of more than 1.6 billion cubic meters of gas, and another 320 million cubic meters – due to the repair of the Yamal-Europe gas pipeline.
"In order to compensate Europeans for the shortfall in gas volumes and at the same time not to increase additional transit through Ukraine, Gazprom is shrinking the volume of gas stored in its underground storage facilities (USFs) in Europe. According to GIE data, Gazprom-operated USFs are seeing the lowest reserves in Europe at the moment, are precisely in underground storage facilities controlled by Gazprom,” said Serhiy Makogon, CEO of the Gas TSO of Ukraine.
According to the CEO, today Gazprom’s USF operator in Germany, Astora, has a storage capacity rate of less than 13%, while other operators have an average of 63%. At the same time, USF operators Astora and GSA, located in Austria, have 14%, while others have 48%.
According to the head of Gas TSO of Ukraine, such moves by the Russian company pursue two goals – economic and political. That’s to pump up the price of natural gas and to accelerate the commissioning of Nord Stream 2.
"Gazprom's behavior has a negative impact on the European gas market and affects the economy of the entire region. In my opinion, the relevant European Antimonopoly Authority should intervene. In addition, such a strategy pursued by the Russian company should be taken into account when certifying Nord Stream 2,” Makogon added.
As reported, Nord Stream 2 is a Russian gas pipeline being built bypassing Ukraine. It is laid on the bottom of the Baltic Sea from Russia to Germany. The sole shareholder of the project is OAO Gazprom.
In July, Germany and the United States reached an agreement under which the United States would not resist the completion of the gas pipeline, and Germany undertook to impose sanctions in the event of Russian aggression against Ukraine, as well as to assist Ukraine in energy transformation.
As reported, Nord Stream 2 is a Russian gas pipeline under construction, bypassing Ukraine. It is being laid along the Baltic Sea seabed to connect Russia and Germany. The project cost is estimated at EUR 9.5 billion. The sole shareholder is Russia’s energy giant OJSC Gazprom.
On July 21, the U.S. and German governments issued a joint declaration outlining their position on the completion of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline. The U.S. committed to refrain from hindering the pipe’s completion, while Germany undertook to impose sanctions on Russia in case Moscow goes for another act of aggression against Ukraine, as well as vowed support for Ukraine in energy transformation.
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