Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi has accused Russia's energy giant Gazprom. On Thursday (June 16) he "lied" on the reasons it claimed to cut gas supplies to his country and to the rest of Europe. including Germany It is believed to be an attempt to pressure Europe. Responding to sanctions against Ukraine invasion
"The reason for the reduction in supply we were told It's a5รับ50 technical problem," he said at a news conference in Kiev, Ukraine, after Prom gas cuts supply to Italian and German companies Eni through the Nordstream pipeline. "We and Germany, among others, believe it is a lie."
Russia ramps up energy pressure on Europe this week amid tensions with the west in the wake of several Western sanctions in response to the invasion of Ukraine. And the move was a reduction in the natural gas supply to Europe. The measures that Germany condemned were politically motivated.
many countries in europe Among them included Italy and Germany. highly reliant on Russian natural gas. for meeting their energy needs
Eni, the Italian energy giant It said on Thursday (June 16) it received only 65% of natural gas, cutting its supply for the second day in a row.
Moscow has said they have the right to play by their own rules in the event of supply cuts, but Draghi has condemned Gazprom for using the gas supply for political purposes. “We are seeing political use of gas. The same way we see the political use of wheat,” he said, referring to the millions of tons of wheat that are mired in Ukrainian ports.
Italy is looking to reduce Russia's dependence on natural gas. by seeking other alternative energy sources with promises to increase investment in renewable energy “Gas coercion has an effect, not just on immediate consumption. but including hoarding.”
Italy is rapidly replenishing its natural gas reserves. The country's natural gas reserves are now at 52%, however, gas supply cuts have pushed prices higher. and making attempts to replenish reserves more difficult
“With gas, Prom is delivering lower gas at higher prices. Europe, however, faces even more difficulties. and at the same time Russia is still making the same amount of money as before. Or maybe even more,” Draghi said. “This is the Russian strategy we have to face and fight.”