Following the announcement from Russian gas corporation Gazprom that it will cease exporting gas to Latvia, there have been no gas supplies from Russia to Latvia, according to information from Conexus Baltic Grid JSC (Conexus) website.
The last time natural gas was pumped to Latvia through Korneti or Izborsk connection was Friday, 29 July, when 31 167 MWh of gas was registered there. On Saturday, 30 July, and Sunday, 31 July, no gas flow was registered. No gas supplies from Russia to Latvia were registered on Monday either.
The last period of time during which natural gas was flowing from Russia to Latvia was 21st to 29th of July. The output used during this period of time was approximately 660 000 MWh.
Conexus representatives confirm having received information from Gazprom regarding the cessation of gas supplies.
At the end of July LTV reported Latvijas gāze JSC allegedly continuing procuring gas from Russia. The company’s manager Aigars Kalvītis admitted that the company has, indeed, started procuring gas once again, but in euros, not roubles. At the same time, he said gas was not being purchased from Gazprom, rather some other supplier in Russia. He did not provide a name.
Latvian Minister of Economics Ilze Indriksone said, commenting on Gazprom’s announcement on cessation of exports of gas to Latvia, that Latvia will have enough gas for the upcoming heating season.
At the same time, there is no certainty that the gas stored in Inčukalns gas storage facility is even sold to Latvia. «Of course, we cannot say that the gas currently stored in Inčukalns gas storage facility will be sold to us, as we have a free market, but the volume that is currently stored is not the lowest we’ve ever had,» said the minister.
According to the report from Russian news agency RIA Novosti, Gazprom ceased exporting gas to Latvia due to a breach of conditions for gas supplies.
It is also reported that Latvia is committed to completely ceasing using Russian gas starting next year.
Amendments passed by the Saeima to the Energy Law provide for diversifying gas supplies and creating strategic gas reserves.