Estonia Likely Safe from Gazprom Germany’s Gas Pipeline Maintenance Tactics | Economy

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While, according to some observers, the Russian interruptions are a deliberate strategy to secure the most favorable terms from the Germans on the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, and in the run-up to the next elections, Estonia’s needs can be amply met by supply to both Latvia and Lithuania, ERR reports.

Ain Köster, spokesperson for grid operator Elering, told ERR that the problem would not affect Estonia, since the country’s natural gas needs are met through storage facilities in Latvia, as well. than a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in Lithuania.

Köster said: “We have been using an LNG terminal in the Baltic States, Lithuania, for several years. Gas can also be delivered through this terminal, and that is what is happening.”

The usual preparations for higher consumption volumes in winter continue in Latvia, Köster continued, while the LNG terminal in Lithuania can supply the three Baltic states when needed, he added.

“I don’t think we have much to worry about,” he said.

As for the German situation, Andrei Belyi, assistant professor at the University of Eastern Finland, Kupio, told ERR that the supply shortage could be an intentional strategy on Gazprom’s part, ahead of the pipeline going into service. Nord Stream 2.

Belyi said: “It’s no secret that Gazprom and German companies have issued warnings that seasonal maintenance is underway.”

“They suggest that another pipeline is still useful,” Belyi added.

“The question observers are asking themselves is why the Yamal-Europe and Nord Stream 1 pipelines are both served at the same time. This seems questionable, given the difficulties of natural gas supply in Europe,” he said. he continued.

The Yamal-Europe pipeline stretches 4000 km from Western Siberia to Germany and was opened in the 1990s.

The maintenance work could, according to the ERR, lead to gas shortages in the fall.

Reform MP and Chairman of the Riigikogu’s Foreign Affairs Committee Marko Mihkelson said that by creating supply difficulties, Russia is trying to ensure the most favorable regulation possible for Nord Stream 2, which together with Nord Stream 1, will mark a fundamentally new phase in the Euro-Russian exchange. energy policy.

He said: “An important factor which may not materialize immediately, but which could play a role in the near future, is that the German parliamentary elections take place on September 26th. The Greens, who are very critical of the ‘regard to Nord Stream 2, are still on an equal footing with the CDU at present “.

Gazprom carried out maintenance work on several of its gas pipelines in Western Europe, while supply was maintained via gas stored in Austria, as well as in Germany.

Latvia’s natural gas storage facilities have been in use for decades, and their capacity greatly exceeds demand, reports the ERR.

Market leader Eesti Gaas announced last month that consumer prices would increase by 50% on average in early September and, although the market has been liberalized and several other suppliers are available, the main reason given for this rise was record price in the world market.

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