Comment from the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Norway to «Nettavisen»

Russian pipeline gas is one of the most affordable for the Europeans. The longstanding energy cooperation with Europe has proven Russia to be a reliable partner that strictly fulfills its obligations. As there are other big actors on the European gas market including Norway, the EU has an opportunity to buy hydrocarbons from other countries as well.

Today the center for gas production in Russia has moved further North to Yamal peninsula. It is 1885 km shorter to deliver gas from there by a pipeline through the Baltic Sea than sending it via Ukraine. In this case the transport costs to Germany will be 1,7-2 times lower. Therefore, the Europeans will not have to overpay to cover transport expenses. Not to mention that technological level of the Ukrainian gas-transport system is far behind demands of new projects.

The «Nord stream 2» does not envisage a stop of the Russian gas transit through other pipelines in use. The Russian side has expressed several times its readiness to keep the gas transit through Ukraine after 2019. To do so it is important to have all the involved companies reach understanding on common stable and favorable economic conditions and create atmosphere for normal dialogue.

Following requests from European partners, we have agreed to launch Russia-EU-Ukraine consultations on gas transit issues. So far, there is no progress. More over the Ukrainian side keeps on duplicating lawsuits in order to cause damage to «Gazprom».

Holding around 40% of the Russian gas transit to Europe under its control Ukraine actually has a dominating position. This fact is not being paid attention even though it is obvious that the dependence from one Ukrainian route strongly contradicts with the EU energy policy.

Statements on the Russian gas being used as a political instrument are groundless. We consider them as a part of an unprecedented information campaign against «Nord Stream 2» wh ere pressure with sanctions is used as an instrument of unfair competition.