The move comes as tensions escalate with Belarus, which has threatened to block transit of gas passing through its territory

Putin eases pressure on Europe, allows Germany and others to fill gas tanks

photo_camera PHOTO/AFP - Russian President Vladimir Putin

Russia is easing energy tensions in Europe and allowing several countries to increase their gas reserves as winter temperatures arrive in the centre and east of the continent. The move has eased natural gas prices, which are down about 50 per cent from record highs, but still up more than 66 per cent on the year. Futures for December delivery were yesterday at $4.8 per million thermal units, down from $5.88 a fortnight ago.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has opted to increase supplies through the Yamal-Europe pipeline that runs through the territories of Russia, Belarus, Poland and Germany. Transport to Slovakia is also being expanded. As a result, gas is being stored in European underground infrastructures, according to data from the German operator Gascade. Meanwhile, the commercial agreement is being negotiated to bring Nord Stream, which links Germany and Russia by sea, into operation.

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The Tass news agency reported that gas exports from the Yamal pipeline to Germany had resumed on Monday evening. On Tuesday the volume of gas amounted to almost 860,000 cubic metres per hour, up from 360,000 cubic metres 24 hours earlier.

The change comes as political tension in the area worsens with the arrival of thousands of refugees on the border between Belarus and Poland, which is also reluctant to receive EU support. On Wednesday, Charles Michel, President of the European Council, travelled to Warsaw to support the Polish government in the face of what he considers to be aggressions by Lukashenko's government. In response, the Belarusian leader threatened on Thursday to cut off gas supplies to Europe, a move that would be difficult to carry out without Putin's permission.

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At the end of October, the Russian president instructed Gazprom CEO Alexei Miller to replenish tanks in Austria and Germany once Russia's reserves had been filled. At that time, the Russian gas company reported that it had reached the projected level of 72.6 billion cubic metres of gas reserves in Russia. However, it added that the operation would continue until 8 November.

Putin wanted to show a more friendly face at a time when there are fears in European countries of blackouts and natural gas shortages this winter. And at a time when the United States, while trying to take away the power that energy gives Russia, has reduced gas supplies to Europe.

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