Gazprom: Russian gas boss says 'our product, our rules' in supply row

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After halving its supply to Germany, the boss of Russian gas giant Gazprom said it was a case of "our product, our rules".

The German economy minister accused the Russian gas company of trying to push up energy prices.

There was a delay in the return of equipment serviced in Canada by Germany'sSiemens Energy.

Russia's gas supplies have fallen in Italy and Austria. This was not planned according to the Kremlin.

Russia will play by its own rules after limiting the amount of gas it sells to Germany to less than half the current rate.

Our rules. Mr Miller said that they don't play by rules that weren't created.

There was no solution to the equipment issue at the Portovaya compressor station.

Mr Miller claimed that sanctions hampered the return of equipment.

The problems at Portovaya caused the Italian energy giant to only get a fraction of the gas it was asked for.

The country's ecological transition minister said on Thursday that Italy has all possible counter-measures in place.

Roberto Cingolani said that the gas situation is under control.

The supply of gas through the Nordstream 1 line to Germany has been cut to 40% of its normal capacity.

The Russian firm is not believed by many here.

The economy and climate change minister was least of all. He said the decision was a political one. gazprom announced on Tuesday that it would decrease the delivery, then on Wednesday announced another reduction.

The president of the Federal Network Agency said that it was a warning sign. Russia is trying to drive up the price of gas, according to Klaus Muller.

The government encourages people and businesses to save energy, but doesn't think there is a shortage. It's summer and most newspapers are reporting an impending heat wave this weekend. Germany will have a problem if the reduced gas supply continues. The water needs to be filled before the winter season begins.

The move alarmed Berlin. While it's assumed that Vladimir Putin won't want to do without the revenue, Mr. Muller said the possibility of Russia stopping supplies couldn't be ruled out.

The supply of Russian gas to European energy companies fell on Wednesday and Thursday.

The gas supply to Italy was reduced on Wednesday. Russia accounts for 40% of Italy's imports.

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 is likely to go up.