Moscow, 16 March - Neftegaz.RU. Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak described the statement of UK Prime Minister Theresa May on the intention to reduce gas purchases from Russia «politically motivated».
«Such decisions are politically motivated and are not aimed at broadening competition on the European market», Novak said. «We are supplying gas to Europe on the basis of demand under competitive conditions and will continue working in the competitive environment.»
Alexander Novak, commenting on the statement, said that it does not serve to promote competition in the European gas market, although each country has the right to choose its own suppliers.
«I heard statements that the U.K. wants to reduce purchases of Russian gas. It is the right of every commercial organization and country to choose its energy policy,» Novak said and added, »Currently, we are supplying gas to Europe, based on needs under absolutely competitive conditions, and we will continue to operate in a competitive environment. Such decisions are politically motivated and are not aimed at expanding competition in the European market.»
U.K.'s Prime Minister Theresa May, who considers that Russia is using its energy as a means to influence countries that are dependent on its fuel, stated that the U.K with the EU would continue seeking alternatives to Russian gas.
Gazprom supplied a total of 16.26 billion cubic meters of gas to U.K. in 2017. Western European countries account for about 81 % of the company’s export.
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