Gas pipeline shutdown starts amid German suspicion of Russia
Jul 11, 2022
A major gas pipeline from Russia to Germany is shutting down for annual maintenance amid German concern that Russia may not resume the flow of gas as scheduled
BERLIN (AP) — A major gas pipeline from Russia to Germany shut down for annual maintenance on Monday amid German concern that Russia may not resume the flow of gas as scheduled.
The Nord Stream 1 pipeline, Germany's main source of Russian gas, is scheduled to be out of action until July 21 for routine work that the operator says includes “testing of mechanical elements and automation systems.” The operator's data showed the gas flow dropping as planned on Monday morning.
German officials are suspicious about Russia's intentions, particularly after Russia's Gazprom last month reduced the gas flow through Nord Stream 1 by 60%. Gazprom cited technical problems involving a gas turbine powering a compressor station that partner Siemens Energy sent to Canada for overhaul and couldn't be returned because of sanctions imposed over Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Canada said over the weekend that it would allow the part to be delivered to Germany, citing the “very significant hardship” that the German economy would suffer without a sufficient gas supply.
German politicians have dismissed Russia's technical explanation for last month's reduction in gas flows through Nord Stream 1, saying the decision was a political gambit to sow uncertainty and push up prices.
German Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck has said he suspects that Russia may cite “some little technical detail” as a reason not to resume gas deliveries through the pipeline after this month's maintenance.
The head of Germany's network regulator, the Bundesnetzagentur, said “no one can say exactly” whether the gas will be switched back on.
“We have very varied signals from Russia,” Klaus Mueller told ZDF television. “There are Kremlin spokespeople who say that, in combination with the Siemens turbine, they can deliver significantly more again; but there have also been very martial messages from the Kremlin.”
On Sunday, Ukraine's energy and foreign ministries said in a joint statement that the return of Nord Stream 1 turbines “is adjusting the sanctions regime to the whims of Russia.”
Germany and the rest of Europe are scrambling to fill gas storage in time for winter and reduce their dependence on Russian energy imports. Germany, which has Europe’s biggest economy, has been getting about 35% of its gas to power industry and generate electricity from Russia.
Last month, Habeck activated the second phase of Germany’s three-stage emergency plan for natural gas supplies, warning that Europe’s biggest economy faced a “crisis” and storage targets for the winter were at risk.
Separately, Italian energy company ENI said Gazprom was cutting its Monday gas delivery by about a third compared to the average in recent days. ENI said in a statement that Gazprom would provide 21 million cubic meters of gas, compared to an average of about 32 million cubic meters.
___
Follow all AP stories on the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
More News
Netflix Hurries to Rewrite Its Narrative With Layoffs and a Sudden Firing
Despite strong revenues and profits, the streaming service cut 1,000 jobs and jettisoned its chief content officer. Drops in the stock price and viewer engagement are to blame.
M.L.B. Playoff Ads With Sydney Sweeney and Megan Fox Draw Backlash
Commercials with Sydney Sweeney promoting a gambling platform and Megan Fox endorsing male enhancement have rankled fans, and even athletes. Who is in charge?
Why Bad News in the Bond Market May Be Good News for Investors
In the contrarian logic of investing, rising interest rates have made bonds much more attractive, our columnist says.
U.S. Budget Deficit Nears $2 Trillion, a Reality Check for Trump’s Cost Cutting
Higher interest rates are inflating borrowing costs as the Trump administration spends on the Iran war and tariff refunds.
Indonesian Stocks Plunge as MSCI Threatens to Drop Market from Indexes
The potential downgrade by MSCI, an influential index provider, adds to a deepening crisis of investor confidence in the economic policies of President Prabowo Subianto.
Warsh Vows to Tame Inflation as A.I. Delivers ‘Shock’ to Economy
The Federal Reserve chairman stuck to his pledge to avoid providing guidance about the path forward for interest rates, but did nothing to convey an urgency to raise them later this month.
Watch: Did Tesla really just unveil a flying car?
Tesla CEO Elon Musk showcased the vehicle at a facility owned by his SpaceX company, which helped develop the model.
When Will the Fed Move on Rates?
Kevin Warsh, the central bank’s chairman, suggested he wouldn’t push to raise borrowing rates this month. But persistent inflation may force the Fed’s hand.
Banks expect to be hit with higher taxes in Budget
Senior banking executives have told the BBC they expect to be "on the menu" in the chancellor's Budget tax later this month.
Feel Like You’re Overpaying for Hotels? Blame Expedia, a New Lawsuit Says.
The booking giant is accused of breaking federal antitrust laws and forcing millions of customers to overspend on stays by as much as 30 percent.
Tesla Debuts 2026 Roadster ‘Flying’ Electric Sports Car
Elon Musk’s company and other automakers, like Jaguar and Bentley, are trying to sell very expensive electric cars to people who usually prefer gasoline-fueled luxury and performance.
Trump Hasn’t Lowered Drug Prices for These Voters
President Trump has been promoting his efforts to reduce drug prices, but many Americans have not seen relief from rising costs for prescriptions and insurance premiums.