Eng
Esp

Copyright © 2024 Euromaidanpress.com

The work of Euromaidan Press is supported by the International Renaissance Foundation

When referencing our materials, please include an active hyperlink to the Euromaidan Press material and a maximum 500-character extract of the story. To reprint anything longer, written permission must be acquired from [email protected].

Privacy and Cookie Policies.

Russian Gazprom halts Austrian gas deliveries from 16 November

“Once again, Russia is using energy as a weapon,” Austria’s Environment Minister Leonore Gewessler says.
byYuri Zoria
15/11/2024
2 minute read
Ukrainian gas transit system
Ukrainian gas transit system. Illustrative photo by Naftogaz
Russian Gazprom halts Austrian gas deliveries from 16 November

Russia’s Gazprom will suspend all gas deliveries to Austria starting at 06:00 CET on 16 November, affecting up to 7,400 MWh/h of gas supplies. The Austrian energy company OMV announced the development in a statement, assuring the public of stable supplies through alternate sources.

Austria had long relied on Russian gas, with Gazprom accounting for about half of Austrian imports transiting through Ukraine. However, as OMV diversified its supply and built reserves, the country reduced dependence significantly. Russia has long used energy supplies as warfare, manipulating gas to pressure Europe during political tensions. Gazprom, Russia’s state-owned energy giant, reported a $6.9 billion net loss in 2023, with revenues falling 30% due to EU sanctions over Ukraine.

Earlier, OMV emphasized its preparedness, with over 90% of Austria’s gas storage filled, containing more than a year’s worth of consumption. It highlighted diversified sourcing from Norway and liquefied natural gas (LNG) as key to ensuring uninterrupted supply. OMV affirmed that it’s ready yo meet all contractual obligations.

The Ukrainian publication Liga notes that Gazprom’s termination of supplies to Austria will lead to a reduction in gas transit through Ukraine.

Austrian Minister of Climate Protection, Energy, and Technology Leonore Gewessler accused Russia of weaponizing energy again, adding,

“Gazprom is proving once again today that Russia is not a partner. But tomorrow also marks the end of a danger. If we no longer receive supplies from Russia, we can no longer be blackmailed.”

The suspension follows a legal dispute between OMV and Gazprom, where OMV won a €230 million arbitration case over disrupted 2022 gas supplies to Germany. Reports suggest Austria had anticipated possible retaliatory actions, estimating potential losses at 6 billion cubic meters of gas annually.

Related:

You could close this page. Or you could join our community and help us produce more materials like this.  We keep our reporting open and accessible to everyone because we believe in the power of free information. This is why our small, cost-effective team depends on the support of readers like you to bring deliver timely news, quality analysis, and on-the-ground reports about Russia's war against Ukraine and Ukraine's struggle to build a democratic society. A little bit goes a long way: for as little as the cost of one cup of coffee a month, you can help build bridges between Ukraine and the rest of the world, plus become a co-creator and vote for topics we should cover next. Become a patron or see other ways to support. Become a Patron!

To suggest a correction or clarification, write to us here

You can also highlight the text and press Ctrl + Enter

Please leave your suggestions or corrections here



    Euromaidan Press

    We are an independent media outlet that relies solely on advertising revenue to sustain itself. We do not endorse or promote any products or services for financial gain. Therefore, we kindly ask for your support by disabling your ad blocker. Your assistance helps us continue providing quality content. Thank you!

    Related Posts