Germany looking for solution to solve gas problem

The German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action stated on Monday that the country was working on ways to return Russian equipment for the Nord Stream gas pipeline from Canada.

“We have addressed the issue to Canada and are also in contact with the European Commission,” the ministry’s spokeswoman, Beate Baron, said at a briefing, declining to comment on the timing of the completion of the talks.

Last month, Russian energy supplier Gazprom announced it was forced to slash natural gas flows to Germany via the Nord Stream pipeline by 60%, because Siemens turbines from its Portovaya pumping station in Vyborg were stuck in Montreal, where they were sent to undergo maintenance. The parts fall under Canada’s sanctions on Russia, and Ottawa says it cannot return them without breaching the restrictions.

The situation has prompted some EU countries to announce emergency measures aimed at reducing the use of natural gas. Supply fears have worsened following the pipeline operator’s announcement that it would halt the gas flow via the route for annual repair works from July 11 to 21.

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