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The European Union is talking to the United States and other countries about the possibility of increasing gas exports to Europe amid concerns over supplies from Russia, said European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
“We are establishing an energy security partnership with the United States for more liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies. “We are negotiating with other countries, such as Norway, to increase their supplies to Europe,” von der Leyen said on Monday. The escalation of tensions between the West and Moscow over Ukraine has raised concerns about Russia’s Russian gas supply to Europe. Prices have risen to record levels in recent months, partly due to declining imports from Russia.
Gas reserves in Europe are about 10% lower than usual for this time of year. Russia’s Gazprom has said it is fulfilling all long-term contracts, but has been accused by EU officials and the International Energy Agency of sending insufficient gas to Europe amid the crisis over Ukraine.
Ms Von der Leyen said it was “strange” that Gazprom had not increased Europe’s gas supply, despite record prices and high demand.
“There are growing signs that the Kremlin is continuing to use gas supplies as a means of political pressure,” she said.
Russia covers about 40% of the EU’s gas needs. The potential consequences for gas supplies if Russia invades Ukraine have prompted the EU to increase imports from other countries.
Senior EU and US officials meet in Washington today for talks on the possibility of supplying Liquefied Natural Gas. The EU is also negotiating with Qatar and Azerbaijan.
The EU has said its storage infrastructure and ability to import more LNG should be able to protect countries from the severe consequences of gas shortages, but analysts say a complete cessation of supplies from Russia will bring about the need for urgent measures, such as the closure of some factories.
EU Commission President Von der Leyen said gas prices could continue to remain high. Most EU countries have implemented tax breaks, subsidies and other measures to protect consumers from rising bills in response to recent price hikes.
“It is possible that gas prices will remain high for a long time,” she said.
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