Austrian officials are actively weighing responses to the potential shutdown of Russian gas deliveries. This stance was clarified by Chancellor Karl Nehammer upon his arrival in Moldova for the European Political Community summit, with the matter reported by TASS.
Nehammer noted that the country is continuously planning for a possible gas import emergency from the Russian Federation. He highlighted that Austrian gas storage facilities are already around 75 percent full and that talks are underway with several alternative suppliers to diversify and secure supply routes.
He emphasized that these discussions are essential to guarantee the availability of reserves should Russia halt gas movement through Ukrainian territory. In this context, the Austrian energy giant OMV is monitoring relationships and developments to stay ahead of evolving conditions.
During a May press briefing, Nehammer outlined plans to raise taxes on excess profits earned by domestic energy companies. The anticipated levy is meant to fund safeguards rather than reduce fuel prices, as the risk of an energy crunch grows. Legislation addressing this measure was expected to pass in June.
Earlier, Karin Kneissl, a former head of Austria’s Foreign Ministry, argued that a complete halt to trade with Russia is unlikely. Kneissl stated that Western sanctions had limited impact and that some economic ties would persist despite pressure from the broader policy framework.