The EU is in contact with its partners to obtain more gas – 01/22/2022 at 18:36

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Jan 22 (Reuters) – The European Union (EU) is discussing with partners a potential increase in its gas supply, Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson said on Saturday after a meeting with EU energy ministers organized in France.

Europe’s gas supply crisis, largely blamed on a shortage of flows from Russia, has caused energy prices to soar since the fall. Moscow denies any manipulation in the matter.

Kadri Simson told reporters she would attend conferences in Azerbaijan and Washington in February to discuss ways to increase gas supplies to Europe.

“Gas storage levels in the EU are significantly below normal at this time of year,” she said.

The ministers, meeting in Amiens (Somme), discussed the uncertainties linked to the Ukrainian crisis and the significant declines in flows from Russia in recent months, also said Kadri Simson.

“My message is that Europe has a solid, well-diversified and resilient gas infrastructure and clear procedures for solidarity in the event of an emergency”, said the European Commissioner for Energy.

“But we must remain extremely vigilant, improve our risk preparedness and strengthen solidarity between Member States.”

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz indicated this week that Berlin could discuss shutting down the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline – which is to carry Russian gas to Germany bypassing Ukraine – if Russia attacks Ukraine.

Kadri Simson further highlighted a Commission proposal, presented in December, to revise EU gas supply regulations to improve coordination between member states on storage.

“The aim is to enable more efficient use of storage capacities and ensure adequate gas storage levels,” she said. “The only lasting solution to our dependence on fossil fuels (…) is to complete the green transition”, however added the commissioner.

(Report Sabine Siebold, French version Benjamin Mallet)

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