Russian gas flows to Europe fall, hindering bid to refill stores

Kremlin says reduction in supply via Nord Stream 1 pipeline related to maintenance issues and not premeditated 

Germany, like other European countries, is racing to refill its gas storage facilities before winter to 80% full by October and 90% by November but stores are currently 52% full. Picture: Mark Potter

Russian gas supply to Europe via the Nord Stream 1 pipeline fell further yesterday and Moscow said more delays in repairs could lead to suspending all flows, putting a brake on Europe's race to refill its gas inventories.

The faltering flows came as the leaders of Germany, Italy, and France visited Ukraine, which is pressing for swifter weapons deliveries to battle invading Russian forces and wants support for Kyiv's bid to join the European Union. Russia's state-controlled Gazprom said it was reducing gas supply for a second time in as many days via Nord Stream 1, which runs under the Baltic to Germany. The latest move cuts supply to just 40% of the pipeline's capacity.