Russia resumes Nord Stream gas flow, bringing Europe respite
BNN Bloomberg
Russia began sending natural gas to Europe through the Nord Stream pipeline system after a pause, bringing relief to a continent whose economy is starting to wobble under the strain of reduced supplies.
Shipments returned to 40 per cent of capacity, their level before flows were halted for 10 days of planned maintenance, data from the pipeline operator showed.
While the restart eases Europe’s worst fears -- that Russian President Vladimir Putin would keep the pipeline halted -- much uncertainty remains about future flows through the link.
The European Union is racing to stockpile natural gas ahead of the winter amid its worst energy crisis in decades. For now, the pipeline’s restart may alleviate concerns about a longer stoppage that could lead to massive economic damage. The situation has already undermined the euro, which has tumbled to near-parity with the US dollar.
