Germany Insists on No Technical Obstacle to Russian Gas Pipeline Deliveries

The German government reaffirmed on Monday its stance that there should be no technical obstacle to gas flow through the Nord Stream 1 pipeline from Russia. This comes as Russia's Gazprom reduced gas deliveries through the pipeline to Germany by 60% last month, citing alleged technical problems. German politicians have dismissed Russia's explanation, saying the decision was a political gambit to sow uncertainty and further increase energy prices. German Economy Ministry spokeswoman Beate Baron emphasized that the government doesn't see technical reasons for the reduction and is doing everything to eliminate possible pretexts for Russia.

Key Takeaways:

• The turbine at the center of uncertainty about future gas deliveries was only supposed to be installed in September, according to the German government, with no technical obstacle to gas flow.
• Russia's Gazprom reduced gas deliveries through the Nord Stream 1 pipeline to Germany by 60% last month, citing alleged technical problems involving equipment sent to Canada for overhaul.
• The Canadian government allowed the delivery of the gas turbine to Germany, citing the significant hardship that a sufficient gas supply would suffer.
• German politicians have dismissed Russia's technical explanation for the reduction, describing it as a political gambit to sow uncertainty and increase energy prices.
• Specific details about the turbine's location are not available due to security reasons.
• Gazprom has raised the turbine issue twice over recent days, saying it has formally approached Siemens Energy to provide necessary documents.
• Siemens Energy and the Canadian government have both played key roles in resolving the issue, with the turbine's transport not falling under EU sanctions.

Statistics:

• 60% reduction in gas deliveries through the Nord Stream 1 pipeline to Germany by Russia's Gazprom last month.
• The Nord Stream 1 pipeline shut down for annual maintenance on July 11 and is scheduled to restart on Thursday.
• Gazprom cited alleged technical problems with the Associated Press report mentioning this development.

Sources:

• The Associated Press
• Gazprom
• Siemens Energy
• Canadian government statement on June 30, 2022