FT: The EU fears that Russia will completely stop supplies in response to the introduction of a gas price ceiling

Some EU countries fear that Russia may retaliate against the imposition of restrictions on Russian gas prices. They believe that Moscow will completely cut off gas supplies to the EU. This was reported by the British newspaper The Financial Times (FT) citing sources.

According to the FT, the EU fears that if prices are imposed only on Russian gas, Moscow will completely stop deliveries. Sources of the publication believe that the restrictions will cause a “domino effect”. “If you limit prices only for Russian gas, then this will not affect other suppliers in any way, and Russia will get angry. What, for example, will Portugal, which does not import Russian gas, say to voters?” one of the newspaper’s interlocutors said.

According to the FT, at least 10 countries are in favor of imposing restrictions on all gas suppliers. According to the newspaper, among the supporters of such a decision are Greece, Italy and Poland.

A general cap on the cost of gas requires the approval of a qualified majority, while an exemption for fuel from Russia requires the consent of all 27 EU countries. According to the FT, Hungary, Austria and the Netherlands oppose any restrictions.

September 7 at the European Commission (EC) reportedthat they will propose to the EU countries to impose a price cap on Russian gas as one of the measures to combat the energy crisis. By information Politico, the EC wants to set a ceiling of €50 per MWh, although it considers such a measure risky. Opposed the restrictions Hungary and Czech. In Belgium considerthat it is necessary to introduce general restrictions for all gas suppliers. President Vladimir Putin’s idea of ​​imposing a ceiling price on Russian gas named “nonsense” and stated that Russia would not supply energy resources to its own detriment.

About the gas dispute between Russia and the EU – in the material “Kommersant FM” “Moscow and the West hit ceilings”.

Olesya Pavlenko