Gazprom reduces Nord Stream 1 gas supply to Germany

Russian energy giant Gazprom is reducing its maximum gas delivery volumes through the Nord Stream 1 Baltic Sea pipeline to Germany by 40%, citing delays in repair work by Siemens, the state-owned company announced on Tuesday, reported dpa.

A gas compressor unit had not been returned from repair in time. As a result, only up to 100 million cubic metres of gas can now be pumped through the pipeline every day, or about 60% of the previously planned daily volume of 167 million cubic metres of gas, it said.

Concerns are growing across Europe because Russia has cut off gas supplies to several countries that have objected to its ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Europe relies heavily on Russian gas and is scrambling to find alternative sources. However, many countries are still buying Russian gas, which is helping keep the Russian economy afloat.

For Germany, Nord Stream 1 is the main supply pipeline for Russian gas. Gas had already stopped being pumped through the Yamal-Europe pipeline. The transit of Russian gas through Ukraine has also been reduced significantly.

The previous restrictions had already increased energy prices because less gas is flowing from Russia to Europe.

The completed Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline has not yet been put into operation because of Russia's war on Ukraine.