Russian energy company Gazprom has also severely reduced gas supplies to Slovakia. Partially state-owned Slovak gas supplier SPP confirmed this to the TASR news agency on Friday. As of Friday, Russia’s SPP has received only 50% of the contractually agreed amount. Delivery quantities had already been gradually reduced in the previous days, namely ten percent on Tuesday, 15 percent on Wednesday and more than a third on Thursday.
Supply is not in danger – dependence has gradually ended
However, supply is not at risk for the time being, home storage facilities are currently 52% full. To date, Slovakia has obtained more than 80% of its gas needs from Russia. In 2009, it had been 100%. Since then, the EU country has gradually reduced its dependence and is now also preparing for the possibility that supplies from Russia could completely stop as a result of the war in Ukraine.
German network agency: tense situation
For the first time since late March, the German Network Agency described the situation as “tense” in its daily report on gas supplies today, Friday. “Gas supplies in Germany are currently stable,” the official wrote. Security of supply in Germany is currently guaranteed.
Technical issues apparently due to lower delivery quantities
The reason for the reassessment is the reduction in the volume of gas supply through the Nord Stream 1 pipeline from the Baltic Sea in recent days. Gazprom throttled gas flows to 40% of maximum output and justified this with delays in repairing the compressor turbines. “Since midweek, this reduction has also affected the transfer of gas to other European countries such as France, Austria and the Czech Republic,” the official said. Companies affected by missing deliveries can currently purchase quantities of gas elsewhere in the market.
France: No more Russian gas since Wednesday
France, on the other hand, no longer receives pipeline gas from Russia. The delivery of Russian natural gas to France via a pipeline from Germany was halted on Wednesday. Gas supplies will not be affected by this, and the filling of storage facilities for the winter will continue, gas grid operator GRTgaz announced on Friday. Russia’s natural gas plays a minor role for France.
Deliveries to Italy have gradually reduced
Russia also supplies less gas to Italy. According to state gas supplier Eni, Gazprom pledged 50% of the delivery volume ordered on Friday. Italy actually ordered 63 million cubic meters of gas from Russia that day. Gas deliveries had already been reduced in previous days: on Wednesday by 15% and on Thursday by 35% of the quantities ordered.
situation in austria
Reduced volumes of gas from Russia are also arriving in Austria today. However, after consultation with OMV and E-Control, the supply is guaranteed, according to a statement from the Minister of Environment and Climate, Leonore Gewessler. “OMV has also announced that it will be able to purchase gas on the spot market, if necessary.”
Technical problems in Russia would have “massively boosted prices and fueled uncertainty across Europe. The gas supply is a tool for Russia in the current dispute. We must not have any illusions.” One is prepared for anything, even a complete stop of deliveries from Russia, says Gewessler.