EGF Gazprom Monitor, Issue 95, April 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: Results of April sales on Gazprom"s ESP: Higher sales volumes, new "advance" sales for Q3 and Q4 2019, and ESP prices closer to European hub prices
• Nord Stream: Nord Stream 2 submits new application for Danish construction permit; Amendments to EU Gas Directive voted into law by European Parliament and Council; Nord Stream 2 threatens legal action against EU under Energy Charter Treaty provisions; Nord Stream 2 construction continues as 1,000 km of pipeline are laid
• Ukraine: Ukrainian gas traders see potential for gas trade with European counterparts; Naftogaz could offer Gazprom 10-year transit contract for 60 bcm per year
• Southern Corridor: How Turkish Stream could impact Gazprom"s need for Ukrainian transit
• Asia: Gazprom resumes gas imports from Turkmenistan on short-term contract to 30th June 2019
• Other: Shell withdraws from Baltic LNG project as Gazprom changes the project concept