Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Canada on Wednesday of delaying the return of a turbine to the Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline, saying Ottawa was looking to enter the European market.
Russian energy giant Gazprom has cut the amount of oil it sends to Germany via Nord Stream 1 by nearly 60% in recent weeks, blaming it for not taking delivery of a Siemens gas turbine sent for maintenance to Canada.
It is reported that the turbine is on its way to Russia, where it is supposed to complete tomorrow, Thursday, the routine maintenance work that led to the complete halt of gas deliveries via “Nord Stream 1”.
Moscow says the turbine is needed to operate the line that takes gas to Germany via the Baltic Sea.
“One machine in need of pre-planned repair was not returned from Canada due to sanctions against Gazprom, although it is a Siemens part,” Putin said, in a televised meeting in Moscow.
“I will tell you why Canada did this: because it produces its own oil and gas and plans to enter the European market,” he added.
The Nord Stream 1 pipeline has been closed since July 11 for 10 days for annual maintenance.
Data from the Gascade company showed today, Wednesday, that gas is expected to start flowing through the pipeline again on Thursday, although it is not yet clear what quantity will be delivered.
European Union countries have imposed a series of harsh sanctions on Moscow since the current Ukraine crisis.
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