Europe frets over reduced Russia gas supplies

Germany and its industry will face tough choices if Russia does not restore its gas supply cuts

Russian energy giant Gazprom began 10 days of maintenance on its Nord Stream 1 pipeline on Monday -- with Germany and other European countries watching anxiously to see if the gas comes back on.

The annual work on the gas link was scheduled long in advance. But the fear is that -- with relations between Russia and the West at their lowest in years because of the invasion of Ukraine -- Gazprom might take the opportunity to simply shut off the valves.

After the Nord Stream stop on Monday morning, Italian energy company Eni and Austrian Group OMV both reported their supplies from Gazprom had also been reduced.

- 'Unprecedented' -

"It is possible that the gas will flow once more, even at a higher volume level than before."

Moscow had already wound down supplies by 60 percent in recent weeks, blaming the absence of a turbine even as Berlin denounced what it calls a "political" decision.

One issue at least was resolved over the weekend, when Canada agreed to return to Germany the turbine, which had been undergoing maintenance, despite the objections of Ukraine.

Berlin has also speculated that for technical reasons it would be difficult for Gazprom to stop deliveries via Nord Stream entirely.

- Ration fears -

But even now, a long-term shutdown of the pipeline would hit Germany and its EU neighbours hard, deepening an energy crisis in which uncertain supplies have pushed prices up ahead of Europe's winter.

In France, Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire said Sunday the country should ready itself for a "complete cut" in supplies from Russia.

German industry is very vulnerable to shortages, with authorities discussing the possibility of having to ration supplies.

If deliveries cease altogether, German multinational chemical firm BASF is considering furloughing part of its roughly 100,000 workforce.

On Thursday, the German parliament adopted a plan which includes limiting winter heating on its premises to a maximum 20 Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit) and cutting hot water supplies in individual offices.

...