Russian gas flows via Yamal-Europe pipeline to Germany halted again
Gulf Times
A view shows pipelines near a gas processing facility, operated by Gazprom company, at Bovanenkovo gas field on the Arctic Yamal peninsula, Russia May 21, 2019. Picture taken May 21, 2019.
Gas flows through the Yamal-Europe pipeline westbound into Germany have stopped again and are flowing in the opposite direction back towards Russia, data from German pipeline operator Gascade showed on Saturday.
The reversal of gas flows through one of the three major pipelines carrying Russian gas into western Europe is the second time the situation has developed in a matter of days. In the past week benchmark European gas futures rose as much as 23% due to the halting of westward flows.
The latest switch comes amid accusations from some regional politicians that the Kremlin is restraining supplies in order to pressure Germany and the European Union to approve the Nord Stream 2 pipeline - currently undergoing licensing procedures in Germany.
Russia has denied this and promised additions to the west from Nov. 8 once its own stocks have been replenished.
