IEA deeply concerned by ongoing dispute on gas supplies to Europe

The IEA is deeply concerned about the lack of ability of both Gazprom and Naftogaz of Ukraine to resume delivery of gas to Europe, despite an agreement to do so brokered by the European Union and signed by all parties last Monday.

The apparent lack of proper communication between the parties involved to solve the technical issues blocking a resumption of gas flows demonstrates that both parties attach more importance to asserting their own negotiating positions than to their obligation to resume gas to European consumers. Many of those consumers are without gas now for two weeks and many more will follow soon if this dispute is not to be concluded promptly.  Industries are being closed at a time of already poor economic conditions; domestic and other consumers are suffering real hardship.

The way both parties have acted over the last weeks and notably this week is unacceptable. This casts a shadow over the reputation of Russia as a reliable supplying country for Europe. It leaves consuming countries no other option than to speed up moves to find alternative suppliers, fuels and transit routes in the future.

The IEA again urges both Gazprom and Naftogaz of Ukraine to take all steps necessary to resume gas supplies to Europe immediately.