Nord Stream pipeline begins annual maintenance with Europe concerned

The Nord Stream 1, the biggest single pipeline carrying Russian gas to Germany, starts annual maintenance today, with flows expected to stop for ten days. 

Some European governments, markets and companies worry that the shutdown might be extended.

The Nord Stream 1 pipeline transports 55 billion cubic metres a year of gas 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 being serviced in Canada. 

Europe now fears Russia may extend the scheduled maintenance to restrict European gas supply further, throwing plans to fill storage for winter into disarray, while heightening a gas crisis that has prompted emergency measures from many governments and painfully high bills for consumers.

German Economy Minister Robert Habeck said on Monday it was difficult to say whether Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline would come back online after the maintenance, as reported by Reuters.

“Germany has become too dependent on Russia.”

“Two floating terminals could be completed by the end of the year.”

“Germany is aware gas needs to be distributed among others.”

“We have to be prepared for various outcomes, including shipments not renewed after maintenance.”

“We will help each other with gas supplies.”

“People in Europe know that large savings in gas usage are possible.”

“Winter will be critical and we need to prepare as well as possible.”

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed claims that Russia was using oil and gas to exert political pressure, saying the maintenance shutdown was a regular, scheduled event, and that no one was “inventing” any repairs.

Since March, Russia has cut off gas supplies completely to several European countries that did not comply with its demand for payment in roubles.