Brussels (Brussels Morning) Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov announced on Sunday that Russia’s Gazprom energy giant is prepared to increase its sales of natural gas to Europe.
As reported by the Interfax news agency, he said the company would like to land more gas supply agreements, according to Reuters.
Commenting on the low gas storage levels across Europe and rising prices, Peskov reiterated that it is possible “to get more gas from Gazprom“. He also noted that the company is meeting all its obligations on gas supplies, adding that “our consumers in Europe are our main partners.”
The International Energy Agency (IEA) and some MEPs have accused Gazprom of failing to boost gas supplies to Europe, where gas prices have increased more than 250% this year.
The price hike has affected industries that rely on natural gas such as fertiliser production.
Eni calls for EU energy strategy
Citing the rise in gas prices, Italy’s Eni oil and gas company CEO Claudio Descalzi called on the EU to draw up a long-term energy security strategy, Reuters reported on Saturday.
He stated that the bloc was almost totally reliant on imports for its gas and oil needs, making it dependent on foreign producers. Looking ahead to winter and the possibility of further price hikes, he noted “I don’t think there will be problems with gas procurement, but it will cost more.”
Eni has long-term natural gas supply agreements with Russia and other producing countries.
Last week, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi called for diversification of Europe’s energy supplies.
European households are facing significantly higher energy prices as wholesale gas and power prices are rising sharply, with consumer protection groups warning that the lowest rungs of society could face fuel poverty.
Spain has called on the EC to propose guidance for member states to help them react to price spikes in line with EU rules.