Germany Blames Russia for gas fuel shortages

Germany blamed Russia on Wednesday for reduced gas supplies through the Nord Stream 1 pipeline and dismissed Gazprom’s claim that disruptions were the result of legal and technical problems.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz said a gas turbine repaired in Canada has been waiting for transfer at Siemens Energy’s site in western Germany, but its shipment has been delayed as Russian authorities do not take the necessary steps.

“For me, it’s important to make it clear that this turbine is ready for use at any time. There is nothing preventing it from being transported to Russia,” Scholz told reporters during his visit to Siemens Energy’s site in Muelheim an der Ruhr.

“The Russian company should inform us that they want this tribune and provide the necessary customs documents for transport to Russia,” he added.

Russian energy giant Gazprom significantly reduced gas flow via the Nord Stream 1 pipeline last month, citing the non-return of the Siemens turbine to Russia following maintenance in Canada.