Agencies-Gaza post
Germany appeals for sanctions against Russia: Bloomberg
Berlin is reportedly asking Ottawa to return a crucial component of Russia’s gas pipeline.
Germany has asked Canada to return a critical part of the Nord Stream gas pipeline, which is stuck in the country due to sanctions against Russia, Bloomberg reported on Thursday.
Business Secretary Robert Habeck said the gas turbine must be returned before scheduled maintenance on the Nord Stream pipeline, which begins Monday, the outlet said, citing a phone interview with the minister.
The equipment, built by Siemens in Canada, was sent to Montreal for repairs but could not be returned in time due to the sanctions. This resulted in a 60% reduction in gas flow through the pipeline to Germany.
“If it’s a legal issue for Canada, I want to be clear that I’m not asking them to ship it to Russia, I’m asking them to ship it to Germany.” Bloomberg quoted Habeck as saying. He also pointed out that the sanctions hurt Germany more than Russia.
Many in Germany fear that gas flow over Nord Stream will not resume after the annual maintenance. According to Bloomberg, Habeck hopes the return of the turbine will leave Russia without any possible excuse for not resuming delivery.
Amid reduced gas supplies, Germany was forced to trigger its energy contingency plan last month. Berlin wants to replace Russian gas with LNG; However, German media have reported that the plan will not work as the country could face severe gas shortages this winter.