French President Emmanuel Macron said in an interview with the Financial Times that he sees no evidence that Russia is manipulating energy prices.
“I have no evidence of price manipulation and I am not blaming anyone,” he said.
According to the president, in the near future it is unlikely that it will be possible to significantly reduce prices, so the main task is to avoid interruptions in supplies and a further rise in fuel prices on the eve of winter. To this end, he called on the G20 to coordinate the actions of energy suppliers and consumers.
In recent months, the European gas market has experienced serious fluctuations. Back in early August, futures traded at $ 515 per thousand cubic meters, but by the end of September they more than doubled, and on October 6 they jumped to a historic high of $1937. This was followed by a decline, but prices continue to be at a high level. Other energy sources are also becoming more expensive, all this leads to an increase in the cost of electricity for residents of the European Union.
The object of the Yamal – Europe gas pipeline in the city of Ciechanow in Poland – Russia news agency, 1920, 28.10.2021
October 28, 04:38 PM
The Economist found a replacement for Russian gas in Europe
According to Russian President Vladimir Putin, the gas shortage in the European market was the result of the economic policy of the European Commission. In addition, eight billion cubic meters of gas were not supplied to Europe from the United States and the Middle East.
The head of Gazprom, Alexei Miller, for his part, linked the rise in prices to insufficient gas reserves in European underground storage facilities. At the same time, he emphasized that the company supplies gas to the EU in full compliance with contracts and, by virtue of its capabilities, seeks to satisfy applications for additional supplies.
Thus, in January-September, Gazprom, according to preliminary data, increased exports by 15.3 percent, to 145.8 billion cubic meters. This is the second largest figure for nine months in the entire history of deliveries (it was more in 2018 alone – 149.2 billion).
At the same time, Putin instructed Gazprom, after the completion of gas injection into Russian storage facilities, to begin work to increase reserves in European UGS facilities in Austria and Germany. Miller assured that the company is ready to do this. The filling of Russian UGS facilities will continue until November 8.