Russia's main gas pipeline to Europe, Nord Stream 1, remains closed even though it is scheduled to open today, adding to concerns about energy supplies this winter.
Russian state energy company Gazprom said it had discovered a leak on Nord Stream 1, meaning the pipeline could remain shut down indefinitely.
The gas pipeline leading to Germany was closed for three days due to, as Gazprom announced, maintenance work, the BBC reports.
Europe has accused Russia of using gas supplies to blackmail Europe during the Ukraine conflict.
Energy prices have risen since Russia began its invasion of Ukraine, and tight supplies could push up costs further.
Fears are growing that families in the EU will not be able to afford heating costs this winter.
Moscow denies using the gas shutdown as an economic weapon against Western countries that support Ukraine.
Russia blames sanctions imposed on it for stopping routine maintenance of Nord Stream 1.
Gazprom announced that a fault was discovered at the Portovaja compressor station, and the inspection was carried out by the workers of Siemens, the German company that maintains the turbine.
The press release states that the removal of oil leaks in key engines is possible only in specialized workshops. which could not perform their work due to Western sanctions.
However, Siemens itself said that such leaks usually do not affect the operation of the turbine and can be sealed on site with routine procedures.
See more:
Download the app and follow the news
FOLLOW US ON
