Europe has been on edge over increasing energy prices as Russia stopped its gas supplies in the wake of its offensive in Ukraine. 

Photo credit © WSJ


Russian energy company Gazprom has cut off all gas supplies to Germany through the Nord Stream pipeline, as the conflict in Ukraine raises serious fears for energy supplies to Europe.


"Supplies via Nord Stream completely stopped as preventative work begins today at a gas compressor unit," the company said in a brief statement on Wednesday. 

Germany's FNA (Federal Network Agency) chief Klaus Mueller called it a "technically incomprehensible" decision, and call it Moscow's threatening policy.

Germany is highly dependent on Russian energy supplies, after this development Germany has accused Russia of using energy as a "weapon".


Russia has already stopped natural gas supplies to Poland, Bulgaria, Finland, Netherlands and Denmark, which refused to pay for energy supplies in Rubble. After Russia's ultimatum Germany and Italy were paying gas prices in Ruble at very high rate, they had agreed to Russian payment method.

Experts are concluding the move as Russia's strategy to pressurise Europe and keep them isolated from interfering in Ukraine's affairs, in winters the gas shortage will badly hit Europe and it will have widespread repercussions on all sectors of life.

Energy prices in Europe has already skyrocketed because they rely on Russia for their energy needs, and now it is almost stopped. 

Meanwhile Russia is selling crude oil to its allies countries at very low rates. Certain countries like India, China, UAE, Saudi Arabia etc have increased their oil imports from Russia, which is the key factor that keep Russia standing amid harsh economic sanctions.