Russian State Duma BuildingMOSCOW, Jan 18The head of the international committee of the State Duma, Leonid Slutsky, commented on the criticism of Gazprom by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg for allegedly creating an energy crisis in Europe, saying that any accusations of manipulating the gas market against the Russian Federation are absolutely groundless. In his Telegram channel, the politician recalled that that NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, during a visit to Germany, referred to the words of the head of the International Energy Agency, Fatih Birol, that Gazprom was allegedly engaged in manipulating gas prices in the EU, since there was a decrease in Russian gas supplies to Europe in conditions when Moscow could increase export significantly.The Prime Minister of Estonia accused Russia of rising electricity prices in Europe «Any accusations of manipulating the gas market against Russia — either then or now — are absolutely groundless. Gazprom representatives have previously directly stated their readiness to supply additional volumes of gas under existing long-term contracts, moreover, the price for them is significantly lower than wholesale prices. In general, Russia always fulfills its obligations, while in Europe they are constantly trying to politicize Nord Stream 2,» Slutsky said. officials who are trying to «shift the gas problem on a healthy one,» it's time to stop engaging in manipulations. «Yes, Europe faced a serious energy crisis at the end of last year, but this happened due to a combination of factors, as Western experts and officials have repeatedly said , some of whom can hardly be suspected of sympathy for Russia. Among the real reasons is the growth in demand for gas in Asia and the decrease in the share of wind generation,» the parliamentarian noted. Slutsky also wrote that Stoltenberg should rather ask his colleagues why European gas storage facilities were almost empty.
Russia has fulfilled all obligations on gas supplies, Novak said»Probably, winter suddenly came to Europe at the end of the year, and Russia is also to blame for this,» the deputy added. Russian Prime Minister Alexander Novak said that Gazprom and Russia are not to blame for the European energy crisis.
