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Nord Stream 1, the largest single pipeline that transports Russian gas to Germany, began annual maintenance today, bringing work to a halt for at least 10 days.
But some European governments, markets and companies worry that the shutdown could be extended even longer. The Nord Stream 1 pipeline transports 55 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas per year from Russia to Germany under the Baltic Sea.
Last month, Russia cut flows to 40% of the pipeline’s total capacity, citing the delayed return of equipment coming from Canada. Canada was reluctant to grant a permit for the pipeline turbine because granting the turbine would violate sanctions against Gazprom. But at the weekend the government in Ottawa granted a limited permit, which was welcomed by Chancellor Scholz.
Europe now fears that Russia could extend planned maintenance to further limit European gas supplies, throwing into disarray plans to fill warehouses for the winter while adding to a gas crisis that has brought high bills for consumers.
German Economy Minister Robert Habeck said the country must face the possibility of Russia suspending gas flows through Nord Stream 1 beyond the scheduled maintenance period.
In previous years, the annual maintenance period on Nord Stream 1 lasted about 10-12 days and was completed on time.
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