In France, such actions of the monopolist have already been called blackmail
< p>The Russian gas monopolist Gazprom has announced that it will suspend gas supplies to France's largest gas supplier Engie from September 1. This is stated in the company's announcement.
Gazprom cites “non-payment of July deliveries in full” as the reason for the suspension of supplies.
“As of the end of the working day on August 30, Gazprom Export LLC has not received full payments for the gas supplied to Engie (France) in July under current contracts. In accordance with Decree No. 172 of the President of the Russian Federation dated March 31, 2022, “On a special procedure for the fulfillment of obligations by foreign buyers to Russian natural gas suppliers”, the further supply of natural gas to a foreign buyer is prohibited if the buyer has not paid in full within the contractual payment period volume,” the message reads.
In France, such actions of the monopolist have already been called blackmail.
“We are preparing for the worst-case scenario, which is a complete shutdown,” said French Energy Minister Agnes Pagnier-Runachet, answering questions about Engie on Tuesday. She reiterated that Russia is using gas as a weapon of war.
Engie Executive Vice President Claire Weisand said on Monday that it currently has more than 90% of its gas storage facilities full. . France has enough fuel to cope with average temperatures in winter. However, during possible cold weather, the situation can be difficult, she added.
Gazprom's supplies to Engie have already decreased significantly since the invasion of Ukraine, with recent monthly supplies amounting to about 1.5 terawatts – hours, the press service of the company reported.
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