Europe gas prices: How far is Russia responsible?
Gas prices have been soaring in countries across Europe, and there have been accusations that Russia may be seeking to exploit the situation for its own advantage.
Jake Sullivan, the US National Security adviser, recently expressed concern that Russia might be using energy as a political weapon.
“I believe they [Russia] should respond to the market demands for increased energy supplies to Europe,” he said.
But how far is Russia responsible for current shortages and rising prices?
How much gas does Europe get from Russia?
Russia supplies about 50% of the EU’s natural gas imports. Most of the rest comes from Norway and Algeria.
Russia sends gas to Europe through several main pipelines – such as the Nord Stream, the Yamal-Europe and the Brotherhood.
The gas is collected in regional storage hubs, and then distributed to different countries across the continent.