Nord Stream 2 not yet operational, Germany calls for dialogue with Russia on gas situation

According to him, currently "the demand for green energy is high". At the same time, a dialogue took place on television blaming Moscow for the increase in gas prices on the European market.

"We are dependent on Russia, Russia is limiting gas supplies. The storage tanks are not full. The government should talk to Russia as soon as possible to change the situation," said Mr. Habeck.

Gas is a vibrant market in Europe. Illustration photo

At the same time, the German politician stated that the Russian gas pipeline “Nord Stream 2” is still not operational.

“Nord Stream 2” has not yet been able to obtain an operating license. Russia seems to be playing a game with us. This is a foreign policy issue that the current government can at least discuss,” he concluded.

Earlier, the CEO of the East German Business Association Michael Harms said that Russia cannot provoke a gas price increase in Europe. He also disagreed with the statements that Moscow used threats to pressure Berlin and the European Commission to speed up the operation of Nord Stream 2.

A short while ago, Russian President Vladimir Putin stressed that the main reason for the sharp increase in green fuel prices was the systemic shortcomings of the energy system in the European Union.

Nord Stream 2 declared ready for operation but has not been licensed.

In recent months, natural gas futures prices in Europe have more than doubled. As recently as August, they barely topped $500. On October 6, they reached an all-time high of $1,937 per thousand cubic meters, and have since fallen but are still above $1,000.

Experts cite the following factors as the basis for the current situation: low storage capacity in continental Europe, limited supply from suppliers and high demand for liquefied natural gas in Asia.