The European gas market has been on edge for months as Russia progressively cut deliveries through the pipeline,most recently to just 20 per cent of capacity.
Gazprom has cited issues with turbines,but European politicians insist the curbs are politically motivated as Russia retaliates against sanctions imposed after it invaded Ukraine.
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The shutdown will occur just as Germany rushes to fill storage sites to at least 95 per cent capacity by November. That still may not guarantee there will be enough gas for the winter if Russia cuts off supply,Germany’s energy regulator said. Russia also limits deliveries to Europe via Ukraine.
While turning off Nord Stream for three days is a serious blow to already fragile markets,it could have been worse.
The maintenance,which is brief and not being done in the middle of peak heating demand,shows that the lone turbine is being kept up and may continue functioning for the time being. Back in July,the pipeline was shut for 10 days for annual maintenance,and many feared supplies wouldn’t resume at all.