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Russia threatens to partially close gas tap to Europe

Russia is no longer considering supplying gas to Europe through the Nord Stream 1 pipeline, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said in a TV statement. 

It is in response to Germany’s decision not to approve the use of another pipeline, Nord Stream 2, for the time being and to the advent of a possible boycott of Russian energy.

Russia is an important supplier of gas to Europe. About 40 percent of the natural gas used in Europe comes from Russia. A significant portion of it flows through the Nord Stream 1 pipeline.

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The Nord Stream 2 has been constructed to get extra gas to Europe. The pipeline is already ready, but is not yet in use, because Germany, among others, still has to approve the commissioning. 

However, the Germans announced last month that they would not make a decision on this for the time being, in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This led to frustration among the Russians.

“In connection with the decision on the Nord Stream 2, we have the right to make a similar decision on the gas passing through the Nord Stream 1,” said Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister. 

“At the moment we are not there yet, but European politicians are pushing us in that direction with their statements and accusations.”

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Russia threatens to partially close gas tap to Europe

Russia threatens to partially close gas tap to Europe

US considers boycott

Novak’s threat is also in response to a possible boycott of Russian energy. The United States is considering banning energy purchases from Russia, angering the Russian government.

Novak said such a decision could have major implications for oil prices. According to him, in case of a boycott, this could rise to 300 dollars (275 euros) per barrel. 

That would more than double the current prices, which are also already high.

“If you want to keep energy out of Russia, go ahead. We are ready,” said the deputy prime minister. He said there are plenty of other buyers if the West doesn’t want the oil and gas anymore.

The American proposal for a boycott on Russian oil received little support from Europe. For example, the German government said on Monday that it does not want such a boycott. 

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Prime Minister Mark Rutte and his British colleague Boris Johnson, among others, also have serious doubts about a boycott of Russian energy.

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