US worried gas supply problems will hit 'unity against Russia'; terms it 'test' for Europe

In US, Joe Biden ministration is worried that European Union's solidarity against Moscow may be weakened by gas shortages brought on by decreased Russian supply, according to a media report. CNN reported, quoting US officials, that Amos Hochstein, US presidential coordinator for global energy, has reportedly left for Paris and Brussels to discuss US-European contingency planning in case of winter gas shortages.

CNN quoted an US official, who wished to remain anonymous, as saying, " impact on Europe could boomerang back onto US, spiking natural gas and electricity prices. It will also be a major test of European resilience and unity against Russia."

Furr,  United States is also planning to discuss measures to increase nuclear power output with Europe this week.  US is particularly hoping to persue German government to delay its plans to phase down use of nuclear power and to keep operating its three nuclear power facilities longer, media agency reported.

On July 25, Russia's energy behemoth Gazprom said that it h to cease functioning of anor Siemens-me turbine because it h reached its capital maintenance point. As a result, Portovaya compressor station's capacity will decrease by almost half, from 67 to 33 million cubic metres per day. Notably, Russian President Vlimir Putin issued a warning last week on matter.

Nord Stream pipeline has been operating at only 40% of its potential

Since mid-June, Nord Stream pipeline has been operating at only 40% of its potential (67 million cubic metres per day), as a result of delayed return of a Siemens turbine that was sent to Cana for maintenance. On July 9, Cana agreed to repatriate repaired turbine after receiving multiple requests from Germany. Before turbine could be imported and placed in Russia and or turbines could be shipped for repairs, according to Gazprom, difficulties involving EU and UK sanctions must be resolved.

According to European Commission, transit equipment for gas is not covered by EU sanctions on Russia. Gas prices have risen after Russia threatened to halt gas supply to Germany and or central European countries earlier this week. Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, European gas prices are up about 2%, tring above an earlier all-time high.