New contracts needed to boost Europe gas supplies: Russia

Critics are blaming Russia, which supplies more than a third of European gas, for the increase in prices.

Russia's energy minister said Wednesday new contracts would need to be agreed for increases in natural gas deliveries to Europe, which is struggling with a surge in prices.

"If there are requests, that will only be via the establishment of new contractual obligations," Nikolai Shulginov said, describing Russia as a "reliable supplier".

Critics are blaming Russia, which supplies more than a third of European gas, for the increase in prices.