Russia to Europe: Promises to boost gas supplies

“Russia has always been a reliable gas supplier to consumers around the world, in Europe and in Asia, and always has fully met all its obligations. I want to emphasize that,” Putin said.

Russia has the potential to boost natural gas supplies to Europe where surging gas prices have ramped up pressure on consumers,” the Kremlin said on Thursday.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that the existing gas transit routes allow for bolstering supplies before the new Nord Stream 2 pipeline, intended to bring Russian gas to Germany, begins operating.

“There is a potential,” Peskov said during a conference call with reporters. “It all depends on demand, contractual obligations and commercial agreements.”