The Russian company Gazprom will stop supplying gas to the Netherlands after today. This is reported by gas trader Gasterra, which is owned by Shell, Esso Nederland and the Dutch state.
Gasterra does not want to respond to Gazprom’s payment demands. These are a result of a decree drawn up by Russian President Putin on payment in rubles. As a result, the Dutch company will not receive 2.0 billion m3 of gas from May 31 (tomorrow) to September 30, 2022. The company says it has anticipated this by purchasing gas elsewhere.
Gasterra gives two reasons for not complying with the payment requirements. By paying in rubles, the company would violate EU sanctions against Russia. In addition, it must then open bank accounts in Moscow. They fall under Russian law, which would be too great a risk, according to Gasterra.
‘No consequences for households’
Minister Jetten (Climate and Energy) says he understands Gasterra’s decision not to comply with Gazprom’s payment requirements. According to Jetten, this has no consequences for Dutch households.
Jetten also does not expect any consequences for business. “The cabinet will continue to monitor the situation closely in the coming period,” he says.
Filling gas reserves
A spokesperson for Gasterra says that the filling of the gas reserves is continuing “in principle according to plan”. Gasterra does not want to say how large the annual volume is and what part will be lost when the gas supply by Gazprom is stopped. The intention is that the part that is lost, 2.0 billion m3, will be fully compensated by purchasing elsewhere.
The contract with Gazprom ends on October 1, nothing will change that. A spokesperson points out that the company already has a plan to end the activities and in this context the contract will not be extended.
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