In an unprecedented move that reflects the escalating energy dispute with the West, Russia has ceased its gas supply to Finland. This startling announcement was confirmed by Gazprom, Russia’s leading gas enterprise, at 04:00 GMT this past Saturday.
Notwithstanding this hiatus, Finland has assured its citizens that gas deliveries will be unaffected. This assurance is underpinned by their refusal to make payments in roubles for the gas supply they have been receiving. Additionally, this standoff trails closely after Finland’s public revelation of its intention to apply for NATO membership.
Despite inciting global censure and sanctions following its invasion of Ukraine on February 24th, Russia has continued to deliver gas to several European nations. Its recent decree, however, mandates ‘unfriendly’ nations to pay for gas in Russian currency, a move that the European Union has deemed as an act of blackmail.
The increased dependence on Russian energy has further exacerbated the ongoing cost-of-living crisis impinging on consumers. Although gas only accounts for a fraction of Finland’s energy consumption (less than a tenth), the country primarily imports gas from Russia.
“The quantity of gas required by the Finnish market is being facilitated via the Balticconnector entry point, pursuant to agreements with the associated market entities. Gas imports are presently being directed through the Balticconnector by Gasgrid Finland, resulting in a balanced gas system,” read an official statement.
The country’s primary energy company, Gasum, characterised the recent move by Russia as “deeply unfortunate”. Despite these circumstances, Gasum’s CEO Mika Wiljanen reassured that robust contingency plans were in place to guarantee uninterrupted supply to all customers in the months ahead, provided there are no disruptions in the gas transmission network.
Upon deliberation, an official Kremlin spokesperson stated that, “it is evident that no service can be rendered without compensation.”
This marked the second time in a week that Russia, following its threats of reprisals if Finland applied for NATO membership, has cut energy supply following a similar suspension of electricity last Sunday.
In correlated news, former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder has announced his resignation from the board of Rosneft, Russia’s state-owned oil company, last Friday. Schröder, who has maintained close personal relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, received substantial public backlash for profiting from the role whilst refraining from criticizing Putin’s decision to invade Ukraine.
