Gazprom: Germany accuses Russian gas giant of pushing energy prices up

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Russia's Gazprom is accused of trying to push up energy prices by cutting supplies.

The amount of gas to Germany was being reduced by half, according to the Russian company.

There was a reason for it to give.

Robert Habeck said it was not a technical decision.

It is a plan to drive up prices.

On Tuesday, it was announced that the gas flow would be cut from 100m to 100m, but on Wednesday it was announced that it would be cut further.

Energy firm ENI said that Gazprom reduced its gas supply to Italy. Russia accounts for 40% of Italy's imports.

Two weeks ago, European Union leaders agreed to block most Russian oil imports by the end of 2022.

Several countries have had their Russian natural gas deliveries stopped because they refused to pay in Russian currency.

After it was hit by Western sanctions, Russia's payment demand was seen as a way to increase the rouble. Foreign exchange demand for roubles was likely to increase.

European countries need to end their dependence on fossil fuels quickly, according to Mr. Habeck. The opening of the Nord Stream 2 line was halted by Germany in February.

The minister said he was waiting to see how the move would affect the European and German gas markets.

He said that there was no supply problem in Germany. It is likely that gas will be stored. In the last few days and weeks, we have made a lot of progress.

We will have to wait two or three days to find out how things are developing.

The EU signed a framework agreement with Israel and Egypt to increase the amount of Israeli natural gas exported to Europe.