EGF Gazprom Monitor, Issue 92, January 2019

A Snapshot of Key Developments in the External Relations of the Russian Gas Sector

By Dr Jack Sharples, EGF Associate Researcher on the External Dimensions of Russian Gas and Research Fellow on the Natural Gas Research Programme, Oxford Institute for Energy Studies

Key points:

• Gazprom on the European market: Gazprom launches day-ahead sales on its Electronic Sales Platform; Gazprom sets new record for sales to Europe in 2018, as strong sales continue in 2019
• Nord Stream: Gazprom announces that Nord Stream operated at full capacity in 2018; Nord Stream 2 to begin pipe-laying in Swedish waters; Nord Stream 2 first and second lines to be ready in November and December, says project company; U.S. government continues to threaten sanctions against Nord Stream 2; EU considering changes to Gas Directive and application to offshore pipelines
• Southern Corridor: Serbia enthusiastic for Turkish Stream participation while Russia plays it cool; Bulgaria completes open season for Turkish Stream connection
• Ukraine: Swiss court overturns blocking of payments from Nord Stream 1 and 2 project companies to Gazprom; Trilateral talks in Brussels on Russian gas transit via Ukraine post-2019
• Other: Gazprom launches LNG import FSRU in Kaliningrad