Russia warns Europe it could face gas shortages

Britain was given a sharp reminder of the dangers to its energy supplies today when Gazprom warned western Europe could be hit by gas shortages. The Russian gas provider said a long-running row with Ukraine could disrupt supplies to Europe this winter.

The fears were raised just 24 hours before Russia hosts a meeting of the world’s major gas suppliers to set up an Opec-style production cartel that could also push up the price of energy in the UK and elsewhere.


Energy experts warned that the two events demonstrated Russia was using energy as a political weapon and argued Britain should fast-track its switch to renewable power to reduce its dependence on unpredictable carbon fuel suppliers.

Russia first triggered fears of an energy “Cold War” two years ago and again last year when it threatened to cut off gas first to the Ukraine and then to Belarus.

This time Russia is threatening Ukraine over an alleged $2bn of arrears. Although Russia exports a relatively small amount of gas to Britain, such difficulties could push up prices for alternative supplies from Norway or elsewhere.

Guardian