Not All Gas: Vladimir Putin's Threat Forces EU To Brace For Russian Pipeline Shut-Off

Member states of the European Union (EU) have reportedly been told to reduce their gas usage until next year as an emergency step, following threats of a supply cut from Russian President Vladimir Putin.

What Happened: The EU told its bloc nations to cut their gas use by 15% from August to March amid fears that the key ​​Nord Stream 1 pipeline from Russia to Germany, which went offline for 10 days for maintenance, might face further shutdowns, according to a Reuters report.

Russia had already reduced the gas supplies via Nord Stream 1 even before the annual maintenance amid the sanctions imposed by Western nations. 

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The gas flow from Ukraine also declined since Russia invaded the country in February. These disruptions have delayed the bloc's efforts to replenish their storage before winter.

Why It Matters: "Russia is blackmailing us. Russia is using energy as a weapon. And therefore, in any event, whether it's a partial, major cut-off of Russian gas or a total cut-off of Russian gas, Europe needs to be ready," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said, according to Reuters.

However, Putin said Russia would fulfill its supply commitments to Europe despite Nord Stream challenges, but added that it could be curbed soon if sanctions disrupt further maintenance work.

Kremlin-controlled energy exporter Gazprom PJSC OGZPY, the pipeline's majority shareholder, "has always fulfilled and will fulfill all of its obligations," Putin told reporters in Moscow.

Gazprom In June cut exports via Nord Stream 1 to 40% capacity.

Putin also warned flows might fall to some 20% by next week if a pipeline turbine undergoing maintenance in Canada is not returned in time.

"Now they are saying that they will return the turbine. But in what capacity will they return it?" asked Putin.

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