Supply from Russia through Nord Stream, a major natural gas pipeline to Germany, has been cut since March 31.

The Russian side has said that it will be suspended for three days due to the inspection of the equipment, but the European side is becoming more vigilant that Russia is using energy as a weapon to shake it, and the supply will be resumed after the scheduled period. Ruka is the focus.

Supply through Nord Stream, Europe's largest natural gas pipeline connecting Russia and Germany, was cut off from the morning of the 31st.



Russia's government-owned gas company Gazprom said it was scheduled for three days until the morning of September 3, due to equipment inspections.



Gazprom has already reduced its supply through Nord Stream to about 20% of its original capacity, and it is the second time that supply has been stopped for inspection reasons, following July.



Regarding this suspension, futures prices have remained high due to concerns that the supply suspension in the European natural gas market will be prolonged. voices of concern were heard.



In addition, Prime Minister Scholz explained that preparations for a decrease in supply from Russia are sufficient, and emphasized that he is urgently considering policies to reduce the burden on the people.



European countries are becoming increasingly wary that Russia, which is in conflict with the West over the situation in Ukraine, is using energy as a weapon to shake it, and the focus is on whether supplies will be resumed after the planned suspension period.

European countries pressed to save energy

Countries in Europe are being warned that Russia is using energy as a weapon to shake things up, such as by suspending the supply of natural gas.



Among these, in France, Prime Minister Borne pointed out at a meeting of business associations on the 29th, "If Russia completely stops exporting natural gas to Europe, the impact will be enormous." , requested that energy-saving plans be finalized in September.



He also expressed a sense of crisis, saying, ``We will face the threat of energy shortages this winter, so we have no choice but to reduce energy consumption.'' I was.



In Germany, efforts to save energy are also underway, including measures to turn off the lights at night at tourist attractions such as the Brandenburg Gate in the capital Berlin, and efforts to lower the water temperature of heated swimming pools in various places.



Furthermore, from September 1st, the use of heating in the corridors and lobbies of public facilities other than medical institutions and schools will be prohibited, and an upper limit will be set for temperature settings.