Russian gas giant Gazprom said Tuesday it had begun implementing a plan to restock European gas storage facilities, after critics accused Moscow of holding back supplies.
Europe, which receives a third of its gas supplies from Russia, has seen energy prices soaring to record highs as economies come back online after the end of pandemic lockdowns.
Critics in Western capitals have blamed Russia for the price hikes, saying Moscow is not upping deliveries to pressure Europe to agree more long-term contracts and for the certification of the controversial Nord Stream 2 pipeline to Germany.
President Vladimir Putin in late October instructed Gazprom to increase supplies to Europe after it finished filling Russian storage facilities by November 8.
"Gazprom has approved and begun implementing the plan for injecting gas into five European underground storage facilities," the company said on its Telegram channel, without specifying if gas deliveries had already begun.
"The volumes and routes of gas transportation have been determined," it said.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
