Nehammer believes that it will take several years for Austria to phase out Russian gas, depending on the availability [of gas] on the international gas market.
According to him, since the beginning of the events in Ukraine, experts from the Ministry of Energy, together with the Austrian oil & gas company OMV, have been working for 2 months to reduce Austria's dependence on Russian gas.
He said:
- I'd rather have this rejection today than tomorrow - but that's not realistic
- We have now formed an interest group with Germany, Hungary and other countries against the gas embargo, but at the same time we must reduce dependence
Currently, the gas storage facilities in the country are about 16% filled.
According to the Chancellor, Austria could currently have enough gas reserves for 2.5 months if Russia decides to cut off supplies.
He said:-
The Minister of Energy, together with OMV, is looking for new sources of supplies, for example from Azerbaijan
-
But still the best scenario - in which the supply will not stop
Austrian Federal Chancellor Nehammer also announced that Austria will continue to pay for Russian gas deliveries in Euros.
Joining other oil & gas companies which have already decided to exit their businesses in Russia, Austria’s OMV is also reevaluated its engagement in the country following the invasion in Ukraine. As a result, Russia will no longer be OMV’s core region.
