Germany steps up calls to save energy as Russia reduces gas

BERLIN –

Germany’s vice chancellor has increased the appeal to its citizens to conserve energy after Russia’s Gazprom announced significant reductions in natural gas deliveries via a key pipeline.

Gazprom, a state-owned firm, announced Tuesday that it was reducing gas flows through the Nord Stream 1 pipeline to Germany to 40%. A day later, Gazprom announced a further cut, bringing the total reduction to around 60%.

Both cases were based on a technical problem. It claimed that Canadian sanctions had prevented Siemens Energy, its German partner, from delivering equipment that had been ordered for overhaul. The German government rebutted this argument, arguing that maintenance shouldn’t be an issue until after the fall and that the Russian decision to increase prices was a political ploy to create uncertainty.

Russian President Vladimir Putin “is doing the things that were to be feared right from the beginning: He’s reducing the volume gas not in one step but gradually,” German Vice-Chancellor Robert Habeck saidIn a video that his ministry posted on Twitter Wednesday night. He cited earlier Russian actions to reduce supplies to Bulgaria, Denmark, and other countries.

Germany and the rest Europe are trying to reduce their dependence upon Russian energy imports, which has led to a decrease in gas flows. Germany, Europe’s largest economy gets around 35% of its natural gas to power its industry and generate electricity.

Short-term natural gas prices in Europe rose sharply after the announcement of the reductions. The month-ahead spot price rose 13% to 139.10 euros/kilowatt hour on Thursday, an increase of 40% from Monday.

Habeck, also the economy minister had launched a campaign last week to encourage people save energy. He reiterated the message in Wednesday’s video, after the Gazprom announcements.

Habeck: “Gas will be coming to Europe — there is no shortage of gas, but we must get the necessary volumes on the market. It will get more expensive.” said. He saidThe government is ready and has already passed legislation that requires gas storage tanks to be filled.

He praised German business and the willingness to save energy and store natural gas.

He said, “Now is the right time to do it.” said. “Every kilowatthour helps in this situation. This is a serious situation, but it is not one that threatens Germany’s supply security.