According to Ukraine’s pipeline operator, Russia sends less gas via Ukraine to Europe than is specified in the transit contract.
Gazprom, a Russian supplier, has reduced volumes via Ukraine to 86 Million Cubic Meters (mcm/day) from 109 Mcm in September. This is the same level required under the current ship or pay contract.
Makogon posted on Facebook, “Despite the severe shortage of gas in Europe and the maximum prices Gazprom doesn’t even use the capacity which has been paid for.”
Gazprom’s website confirmed that its transit volumes through Ukraine were 85.8 mcm as of Oct 13, and have been averaging 85-86 mg per day since the start of the month.
Russia repeatedly stated that it fulfils its contractual obligations to supply Europe with the requested gas volumes.
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated Wednesday that Moscow is ready to supply more gas to Europe if needed.
Some European politicians suggested that Russia may be using a rise in gas prices to leverage a dispute over Gazprom’s Nord Stream 2 pipeline project. Moscow refutes this.
