Germany, which was recently thanked by the US for providing Ukraine with defense systems for its war against Russia, was dealt with a retaliatory move by Kremlin.
The Nord Stream 1 pipeline, the main supply line from Russia to Germany, is now functioning at a mere 20 percent of its capacity. While Russia cites the turbine problems at Portovaya compressor station as a reason, the US and its allies see it as a Ukraine-related response.
While the Nord Stream 1 pipeline between Russia and Germany is laid under the baltic sea, another supply route runs through Ukraine, and Russia says the country won’t let it put to its full use.
Although Europe gets nearly half of its gas from Russia (over 40 percent), Germany gets more than half of its gas supplies, and the reduction in supply not only sent the gas prices soaring but also raised fears of shortage for the upcoming winter.
The gas prices have increased by at least four times. On January 1, 2022, natural gas was traded at $640 per thousand cubic meters. Now, it trades for around $2500.