SLOVAKIA reported a drop in supplies of natural gas from Russia by 50 percent. The Slovenský Plynárenský Priemysel (SPP) gas utility however still guarantees full supplies for households and companies, Prime Minister Robert Fico told the press on October 1.
“SPP immediately responded to the situation and bought extra gas in spot market which is enough to cover current daily consumption,” Fico said, as quoted by the SITA newswire.
Fico has also turned to Slovak ambassadors in the most important countries in order to provide information about the situation with gas supplies.
“First of all we want to coordinate this situation with the European Commission where I do not exclude pushing for personal meetings since Slovakia will need cooperation in European area,” Fico said, as quoted by SITA, adding that the gas has become “the subject of political fight”.
Despite lower supplies, he does not expect an increase in prices for Slovak households.
“No indications of the increase in prices of gas have occurred in the market,” Fico continued. “We still expect the regulatory authority will adopt the decision that will include the decrease in gas prices for Slovak households.”
Also SPP confirmed the fluent and continuous supplies of gas to all of its customers, from households to big industrial firms. In addition to spot markets, SPP relies also on reserves.
“The reserves are the main tool to cover daily consumption in winter,” said SPP spokesman Peter Bednár. “Currently we have more than 1.5 billion cubic metres of gas stored in the reserves. Adding gas to the reserves will continue to the end of October.”
Slovakia can also use reverse gas flows from Austria and the Czech Republic. Such a launch can occur in a few hours, Bednár said.
Source: SITA
Compiled by Radka Minarechová from press reports
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