Russian gas flow to Europe back to normal

Gas supply issues resulting from an increase in consumption due to the recent freeze in Europe have been resolved in Russia, with the flow to Europe reported to be back to normal.

Poland, Slovakia, Austria, Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania, Greece, Italy and Germany have all received reduced amounts recently, as Russia struggles to keep up with demand. Slovakia reported one of the worse drops, saying its supplies were cut by 30 per cent, in comparison to a seven per cent decline in Poland and supplies in Italy being down by a tenth.

Russian gas export monopoly Gazprom voiced surprise, saying that the Ukraine must be taking more than its contracted share. Many of the pipelines to Europe flow through the country, however, they have flatly rejected the suggestion.

Britain, Germany, Austria and France as well as other countries said they are well prepared for the decline in temperatures, with ample gas supplies in storage following the mild start to the winter.

EU Energy Commission spokeswoman Marlene Holzner said: "Whatever the cause of the disruption, we are in a much better position today than when previous crises happened."

Posted by Joseph Hutton