However, despite the nine LNG import terminals in Europe, the UK and Türkiye, Germany, one of the largest Russian gas importers, is unable to avail of these facilities because it only imports gas via pipeline. To this end, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the EU and Baku for more gas purchases from Azerbaijan to alleviate shortages over the winter season.

Since Europe is highly dependent on Russian energy, the EU has accelerated efforts to diversify supplies and has sought alternatives by buying liquefied natural gas (LNG) and filling natural gas storage tanks where possible from the current 64% occupancy rate. The pipeline, which can transmit 160 million cubic meters of gas per day, is only transmitting 65 million cubic meters of natural gas per day from July 21.Įurope continues its plan to wean off Russian gas supplies Russia’s Gazprom had warned on June 15 of reduced shipments through the pipeline, citing the non-return of technical equipment necessary for maintenance from Germany’s Siemens company. The decrease in the capacity of the Nord Stream 1 pipeline was decisive in the decline in gas flow. This flow further dropped to 100 million cubic meters at the beginning of July, marking an 80% plummet relative to the record highs of 500 million cubic meters. 24 this year, with the start of Russian attacks in Ukraine, reduced flow transiting via Ukraine and a halt in transmission from the Nord Stream-2 natural gas pipeline, the decline accelerated and fell to 200 million cubic meters as of the end of May. However, since the start of the war with Ukraine, its exports to Europe have dropped significantly from the highs seen in October 2019 of over 500 million cubic meters, IEA data confirms.įrom Feb. Russia, which sends natural gas to Europe via Ukraine, also transmits natural gas to Europe and Türkiye using the TurkStream, Nord Stream 1, Yamal and Blue Stream natural gas pipelines. Natural gas flow from Moscow to Europe has decreased to the lowest levels in the past four years, below 100 million cubic meters since the beginning of July from quantities ranging from 400 to 500 million cubic meters per day.Īccording to data from the International Energy Agency (IEA) and Ukraine transmission system operator, Europe imported 155 billion cubic meters of natural gas from Russia, corresponding to about 40% of the continent’s natural gas consumption last year.

400 million of them are produced daily