European Commission proposes price limit for all russian gas
The European Commission proposes that EU countries take coordinated measures to reduce energy consumption and set a price ceiling for the purchase of russian gas in full – both for pipelines and liquefied natural gas (LNG).
It was stated by European Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson in Brussels before the start of the extraordinary Council of EU Ministers on Energy, the second such extraordinary meeting this month, Ukrinform reports.
"Today, we will take another necessary step to respond to this energy crisis… At the same time, we cannot have the same approach to russia (as an unreliable supplier – ed.) and our other trusted partners. So we must remove the incentives that allow russia to manipulate gas volumes. The answer is obvious – we need to establish a price limit for all russian gas, not only pipeline but also liquefied (LNG). For our partners with whom we can negotiate, we need to agree on price corridors," said European Commissioner.
She noted that the European Commission is also ready to propose a ceiling for the price of natural gas at the pan-European level.
At the same time, it is worth considering that such price restrictions should not entail an increase in gas demand, as Europe still faces problems in the security of gas supply, Simson said.
"The European Commission has proposed measures to reduce energy consumption and generate surplus profits, which can be used to support the public and businesses in this crisis. I am confident that ministers will agree to these measures, which will help us calm price pressures and relieve our consumers. I hope today we will have a political agreement, after which we will be able to implement these measures quickly," said Simson.
She said that on the eve of the meeting, some member countries presented their own ideas and proposals to solve the problem of high energy prices, which will also be considered today. At the same time, the European Commission is looking for solutions that will be acceptable to all countries to avoid contradictions.
"We accumulate additional revenues governments can use for direct support and to pay consumers," the European commissioner said.
