Vladimir Chizhov: The Crisis on the Gas Market in the EU May Soon be Resolved
The situation on the European gas market will stabilize “sooner rather than later.” This assessment was made by the Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the EU Vladimir Chizhov.
“[Russian President Vladimir Putin] recommended that Gazprom be more flexible. And something makes me think that Gazprom will listen,” Chizhov said. the situation on the hydrocarbon market.
The Russian diplomat denied accusations that Russia deliberately provoked a gas shortage in Europe, reports TASS. At the same time, he noted that the EU’s decision to treat the Russian Federation as a geopolitical adversary does not facilitate dialogue with Moscow. “The crux of the matter is in the wording,” he said. “.
According to Chizhov, the gas problems currently observed in Europe “were provoked artificially” and “mainly for political reasons” by the European Union itself, which decided to pursue a risky energy policy. In the conditions of the spot market, European energy companies, he said, are cutting their purchases, expecting a decline in prices. “Long-term contracts [for gas supplies to Europe] … ensured the reliability of supplies, the stability of volumes and prices. And then the idea came from Brussels that the system should be changed, – said Chizhov. – We know that market rules can be useful in some situations are of little use in others. The situation can change, and it has changed. “
