France allowed participation in the work on the introduction of a ceiling on gas prices from the Russian Federation

France is ready to work on the introduction of a price ceiling for Russian gas together with Italy, Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire said in an interview with Corriere della Sera. He named three ways to reduce energy prices, including the introduction of a cap price.

Le Maire responded to a question about whether France intends to coordinate with European partners, in particular with Italy, to try to limit the price of gas. The Minister called the decision on joint procurement a priority in this work, which “would allow for greater commercial influence on the supplier countries.”

“The second solution is to diversify our sources of supply, in particular through the construction of new liquefied natural gas terminals. And the third option is the marginal gas price. It is difficult to implement, but we are ready to work on it with our Italian friends,” Le Maire said.

Speaking about ways to combat rising energy prices, the French minister said that it is necessary to separate the price of electricity from the price of gas.

In 2021, France consumed about 43 billion cubic meters. m of gas. According to the International Energy Agency, the Russian Federation supplies France with about 14 billion cubic meters annually. m of gas.

At the same time, at the end of July, Nord Stream exports decreased to 33 million cubic meters. m per day, and from August 31 to September 3, exports will completely stop due to scheduled repairs of the pipeline, reported “Gazprom“.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen this week reportedthat the time has come to introduce a price ceiling for Russian gas in the European Union. She clarified that the European Commission will soon come up with this initiative, Reuters wrote.