Russia-owned Gazprom ends gas supply to Europe through Ukraine
Gazprom, the Russian-owned energy corporation, has announced the termination of gas supply to Europe through the Russia-Ukraine pipeline, effective from January 1.
In a statement on Wednesday, the energy company said the contract between Gazprom and Naftogaz to supply gas to Europe via Ukraine has officially ended.
“On January 1, 2025, at 8:00 Moscow time, the documents signed on December 30, 2019 expired: the agreement between PJSC Gazprom and NJSC Naftogaz of Ukraine on organising the transportation of Russian gas through the territory of Ukraine and the agreement on cooperation between the operators of the Russian and Ukrainian GTS – PJSC Gazprom and LLC Gas Transportation System Operator of Ukraine,” the company said.
“Due to the repeated and explicit refusal of the Ukrainian side to extend these agreements, Gazprom was deprived of the technical and legal ability to supply gas for transit through the territory of Ukraine from January 1, 2025.
“Since 8:00 Moscow time, Russian gas has not been supplied for its transportation through the territory of Ukraine.”
According to a report by Reuters, the European Union (EU) redoubled its efforts to reduce its dependence on Russian energy after the outbreak of the war in Ukraine in 2022 by seeking alternative sources.
Austria’s energy ministry on Tuesday confirmed that purchases via Italy and Germany, as well as sufficient storage, ensured supply for consumers.
Similarly, Slovakia’s economy ministry announced it would not face gas shortages if Ukraine stopped the transit of Russian gas, but it would incur an extra $183.96 million in fees for alternative routes.
A spokeswoman for EU commission said preparations had included energy efficiency measures, renewable energy development, and a flexible gas system.
The publication said liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Qatar and the United States has also helped the EU find alternative supply, and piped supply has come from Norway.
