Russian gas to European customers: Due to force majeure, it is impossible to ensure that the gas supply business is carried out normally

According to Reuters on the 18th, according to a letter from Russia's Gazprom (Gazprom, referred to as Russia) seen by Reuters, Russia has informed several European customers. Due to the "special" situation, Russia could not be unable to be Russia. Ensure that the natural gas supply business is carried out normally.

"Beixi 1" pipeline receiving station in Germany. Source: Visual China

According to Reuters, in this letter on July 14th, Russian gas stated that it will be traced back to the influence of "force majeure" from June 14th since June 14.

On June 14th, it was Russia's announcement that the gas transmission volume of the "Beixi-1" natural gas pipeline was reduced by 60%. At that time, Russian gas blamed this reduction on Western sanctions. Pipeline turbine parts sent in Canada.

The report pointed out that at the time of this news, the "Beixi-1" pipeline of Russia to the "Beixi-1" pipeline in Germany and other regions was suspended and operated for a 10-day annual routine maintenance. This work is planned to be 21 The end of the day.

Uniper, the largest Russian natural gas buyer in Germany, and public institutional company, is one of the customers who have received the letter. The company said that it has officially rejected the statement of Russia's gas and believes that the statement is unreasonable. Another Russian natural gas buyer and German power company Rhein Group (RWE) also stated that it has also received a notice from Russian gas company about "force majeure", but refused to comment on the details of the letter or its legal view.

Russian Natural Gas Industry Co., Ltd. Source: Visual China

The report pointed out that the so -called "force majeure" refers to the "major situation" beyond its control in business behavior. This letter from Russia does not necessarily mean that it will stop supplying natural gas, but it is said that if Russia fails to meet the contract terms in the future, it should not bear relevant responsibilities.

Reuters said that the exposure of this letter will further exacerbate European concerns, that is, Russia may not restart the pipeline at the end of the "Beixi-1" maintenance, so as to fight back the EU to Russia after the outbreak of the Russian and Ukraine conflict broke out to Russia. A series of sanctions implemented, thereby exacerbating the energy crisis that may cause EU countries into an economic recession.

Over the past few months, Russia's natural gas supply has been decreasing through the major gas transmission pipelines, including pipelines through Ukraine and Belarus, and the "Beixi-1" pipeline on the bottom of the Baltic sea.

Due to the sensitivity of this topic, a trade source who did not want to be named told Reuters that the "force majeure" factor called Russia in the letter involved the natural gas supply through the "Beixi-1" pipeline.

Natural storage pipelines in Germany. Source: Visual China

Hansvan Cleef, a high-level energy economist in the Netherlands, guess: "This sounds like the first hint, that is, after 10 days of maintenance, through the natural gas of 'Beixi-1' ' Supply may not recover. It depends on what is the "special" situation that announces the existence of pivotal resistance, and whether these problems are technical or politically, which may mean the next step of upgrading the tension between Russia and Europe/Germany. "

Luo Zongqiang, a Norwegian energy counseling company RuStad Energy, told Reuters: "The motivation of Russian Gas Company is not yet certain, but the statement will not have a substantial impact on the current situation."

(Edit: LC)

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