Around building a Russian gas pipeline to Europe, “Nord stream-2” continues to rage with serious political passions, the reason for the new sanctions, which Washington intends to impose on all companies and governmental agencies related to the project. On the eve of exchange of “hot” remarks on this subject took place between US Secretary of state Mike Pompeo and Chairman of the security Council of the Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev.
“Get out now or you go on a risk,” addressed to the investors, SP-2 American statesman. “Take aback by such simplicity and borzesti” Americans, answered his page in the social network Medvedev.
the standoff does not abate. A group of influential congressmen from both parties supported the strict version of sanctions against the “Nord stream-2” for inclusion in the structure of the defense budget of the country so that they act automatically and no one, including the President, could not mitigate or delay. In response, the foreign Minister of Germany Heiko Maas said that such us sanctions threaten the sovereignty of the EU, as companies and agencies of the EU countries can be at risk of restrictive measures Washington.
the Russian authorities continue to insist that the pipeline, what obstacles he had threatened, it will be completed before the end of 2020. Will Russia be able to achieve this goal? Will the opponents of the project from Washington to disrupt or hinder the completion of the SP-2? How this conflict will affect our country’s position in the European gas market? With these questions, “MK” turned to the experts.
Natalia Milchakova, Deputy head of IAC “Alpari”: “In fact, the new US sanctions have not yet introduced, and, moreover, do not even mention at least the approximate date when it can occur. Just talking about the fact that the US Treasury Department may amend existing law, abolishing the clause that the sanctions do not apply to energy projects.
the Statement Pompeo no more than an election to increase the popularity of trump from the “hawks”. In addition, it is also flexing its muscles to address the frightened EU, but completely out of place, because Germany, which once obediently followed the instructions of the US state Department now intends to firmly defend its interests. Yes, and personal relationships trump and German Chancellor Angela Merkel was damaged.
energy Supplies from USA and Europe can not be profitable, as prices for liquefied natural gas (LNG), including transportation, even in stable times exceeded the price for 1,000 cubic meters of Russian pipeline gas to 30-35%. And in April and may, the European consumers refused to accept even contracted LNG andz USA, as apparently believed that paying the penalty is cheaper than having possession of this expensive fuel.
in addition, in Europe not so many LNG receiving terminals and to build new means to incur additional costs in conditions when the economy is in crisis. In the first quarter, the average sale price of Russian pipeline gas to European consumers fell by almost 25%, while the LNG producers, including us, can’t afford to reduce the prices of such value to fight for the consumer. Therefore, U.S. LNG markets outside the US have a great difficulty to win a share, and rather, thanks to the political intervention of Washington than efficient pricing. So the position of Russia in the European gas market will remain stable for many years to come”.
Artem Deev, head of the analytical Department AMarkets: “the Vicissitudes of around SP-2 for a long time already are not economic, but political discussions. However, the Americans have quite a vested interest to slow down the construction of the pipeline, which would transport Russian gas bypassing Ukraine under the Baltic sea to Germany.
US all by hook or by crook is trying to increase the supply of its liquefied natural gas to Europe – that “cleans” the competitor. That is why Washington creates legal obstacles that could delay the completion of construction and commissioning of the “Nord stream-2”. Meanwhile, the threat to the United States to provide sanctions of the European partners “Gazprom” has caused quite a strong reaction from Germany, which is the main Russian ally on this project. To date, SP-2 — another reason for the struggle between the US and the EU for the European energy market.
Berlin even threatened to impose retaliatory restrictions on economic relations with the United States. Germany can impose duties on us LNG, and it will be a painful blow to the White house, because the Old world is extremely important for Washington as a market. However, until the end of this summer, the completion of the “Nord stream-2” the Russian side is unlikely to begin for technological reasons. Maybe this is better: “Gazprom” and Germany will have time to prepare a response to confrontation with the United States, and Washington received a sentence to more clearly formulate its position on the sanctions and for finding of a compromise with Germany – its ally in NATO.”
Anton POKATOVICH economist “BCS Premier”: “we Can assume that the largest European economy, led by Germany continue to oppose the sanctions pressure from Washington for the construction of Russian pipelines. In the foreseeable future we��idem that the U.S. share in the European gas market can continue its growth, however, Russian pipeline gas will remain the most attractive to consumers of the Old world. Us supplies of liquefied natural gas to Europe would be very difficult to compete with Russian supplies in the price plane. Expected that the major Russian gas supplier, Gazprom, after the recovery of European gas demand, in the next 2-3 years will continue to “close” the main requirements of the European “blue fuel”.
