Political scientist, head of the Department of Political Science of the Plekhanov Russian University of Economics Andrey Koshkin, on January 15, in an interview with Izvestia, commented on the statement of the head of the International Energy Agency (IEA) Fatih Birol about the alleged fault of Gazprom in the energy crisis in Europe.
Koshkin stressed that the Russian company is overfulfilling its obligations.
Gazprom exceeds all its obligations. I can say offhand that more than 11 billion, in my opinion, cubic meters. m. of gas, we have already exceeded,” he said.
According to the political scientist, by refusing to certify Nord Stream 2 (SP-2), European countries themselves are raising the price of gas.
“What is stopping you from certifying Nord Stream 2? Nothing prevents absolutely. These are political actions that specifically create difficulties for certification, and thereby increase the cost of gas in the relevant market,” the expert noted.
He added that in the West, SP-2 is considered “the hand of Moscow.”
“It doesn’t matter how the inhabitants of European states feel. For them (heads of state. – Ed.) Some political ambitions are more important – to punish Russia for some imaginary invasion of Ukraine, ”Koshkin said.
The political scientist noted that now “Germany is especially suffering” due to the increase in gas prices. According to Koshkin, in order to improve the situation, it is necessary to conclude bilateral agreements.
“That’s right, our president [Владимир Путин] he said: gas is a completely different product… We must first conclude an agreement, and only then we will produce and supply. But there is no such understanding. There are continuous accusations,” the expert said.
On January 12, Bloomberg reported that the head of the IEA, Fatih Birol, blamed Gazprom for the energy crisis in Europe. Birol said that Gazprom can increase supplies to Europe by at least a third, but does not do this, which creates tension in the European energy market.
On December 15, Gazprom spokesman Sergei Kupriyanov said that all accusations against Russia and Gazprom that the country provides little gas to the European market are absolutely groundless and unacceptable and untrue.
In addition, a representative of Gazprom said that the Russian company supplied Germany with 50.2 billion cubic meters in 2021. m, which is 5.3% more than last year.
Source: IZ
Jane Stock is a technology author, who has written for 24 Hours World. She writes about the latest in technology news and trends, and is always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to improve his audience’s experience.
