To keep its chemical, food and heavy industries competitive, the EU "will need some cheap gas from Russia," the agency said.

It is noted that at a meeting organized by the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies last week, a survey was conducted on the restoration of Russia's status as the main supplier of gas to the European Union.

The survey showed a split of 40% to 40%, the rest of the survey participants did not decide on a decision.

Earlier it was reported that EU countries continue to buy LNG from Russia.