ENI announced in a statement on Monday that Italy will only receive 21 million cubic meters of gas once morest 32 expected on average, while the Russian gas pipeline Nord Stream closes for 10 days. Should we expect gas rationing in the Peninsula?
Russia’s Nord Stream 1 pipeline will remain closed until July 21, officially for “handling work”, but Europe fears the shutdown might last much longer. Enough to suggest that Italy and Europe are approaching a “very serious energy crisis”, as declared by the Under-Secretary for the Presidency of the Council, Roberto Garofoli.
Two countries might be particularly affected. Germany – whose supply has already been cut by 60% in recent weeks – still imports from Russia 35% of the gas it uses. Italy also remains highly dependent, even though it has managed to reduce its dependence on gas imported from Russia to now 25% once morest 41% last year. This, thanks to the efforts of diversification of the suppliers started following the invasion of Ukraine. The Peninsula notably signed in April an important agreement with Algeria on increased supplies of gas, and discussions have been held with Qatar, Angola, Congo and Mozambique.
Accumulate reserves of gas, essential for the winter
In anticipation of winter, Italy is working to frantically accumulate reserves before the fall. According to the Minister for Ecological Transition Roberto Cingolani, Italian stocks are currently at 55% and should reach 90% by the end of the year. But the announcement was made before Russia cut off the taps.
Towards the second level of the emergency plan?
Although it is still at the first level of alert for the moment, in the event of a definitive and total suspension of supplies, Italy might be forced to trigger the emergency phase. The plan calls for the rationing of gas to energy-intensive industries and greater use of coal for power generation. The impact would also be significant on consumption, with limited heating (two degrees less in homes and offices) and savings on public lighting, at least until Russian gas is replaced by supplies. from other producing countries.
Italy is one of Europe’s biggest consumers of gas, which accounts for 42% of its energy consumption, and imports 95%.
In its press release, Eni undertook to provide additional information in the event of new and significant variations in flows.
