Russian gas supplies to Europe via Ukraine down by quarter

Russian gas flows to Europe via Ukraine fell by a quarter on May 11 after Kyiv halted use of a major transit route blaming interference by Russian forces, the first time exports via Ukraine have been disrupted since the invasion, Report informs referring to Reuters.

The gas pipeline via the Sokhranovka point runs through Ukraine’s Luhansk region, part of which has been under control of pro-Russian separatists.

Kremlin-controlled Gazprom, which has a monopoly on Russian gas exports by pipeline, said it was still shipping gas to Europe via Ukraine, but volumes were seen at 72 million cubic meters (mcm) on May 11, down from 95.8 mcm on May 10.

The May 11 disruption drove Europe's benchmark gas price for the third quarter up to 100 euros per megawatt hour at the market open before slipping back. The price is more than 250% above its level a year ago.

Gazprom said on May 10 it was not technically possible to shift all volumes to the Sudzha route, as GTSOU proposed.

Ukraine has remained a major transit route for Russian gas to Europe even after Moscow launched what it calls a "special military operation" on February 24.

The transit point Ukraine shut usually handles about 8% of Russian gas flows to Europe, although European states said they were still receiving supplies. The Ukraine corridor mostly sends gas to Austria, Italy, Slovakia and other east European states.