The European Union intends to completely abandon Russian fossil fuels (oil, gas, coal, peat, etc.). However, this will take a long time - about 10 years. However, in 2023, they want to reduce Russian gas imports to 40-45 billion cubic meters, which, compared to 155 billion cubic meters in 2021, really looks like a serious step.

This is reported by Reuters. It is noted that to replace Russian gas, the EU countries

• increased imports from other suppliers;
• simultaneously reduced gas consumption.

"Norway has replaced Russia as the largest supplier of pipeline gas to the EU. And imports of liquefied natural gas have increased sharply due to supplies from the United States," the report says.

It is emphasized that gas storage facilities across the EU are currently 99% full, which gives countries a buffer against potential supply disruptions this winter. And record volumes of solar energy use "have also helped reduce Europe's need for gas-fired power plants."

"The worst effects of the crisis may be over, but we cannot be complacent. Although analysts say that a return to record high gas prices is unlikely, global markets are extremely tense. This creates a risk of price increases in response to cold weather or further supply shocks," the article summarizes.

Putin calls EU countries stupid for refusing Russian gas

For his part, Russian President Putin says that European countries are stupid for refusing to buy Russian gas. He claims that the EU's energy independence from Russia has allegedly harmed the union itself, as it now has to look for new suppliers. Which, presumably, in Putin's opinion, is a sign of stupidity.

"There is a certain amount of production in the world, and there is a certain amount of consumption in the world. If they decide to reduce purchases from us... it means they have to buy elsewhere. It is impossible without it. You have to be absolutely stupid not to understand this," the Russian president said.

As OBOZ.UA reported earlier, Gazprom confirmed a 24.7% drop in gas production in Russia. This is due to the refusal of European countries to buy European natural gas.

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