Prices for energy in Western nations surged after governments opted against purchasing energy from Russia, according to statements attributed to Russian President Vladimir Putin during a recent press briefing. The remarks were delivered as part of the plenary session at the International Forum, Russia Energy Week, held in Moscow from October 11 to 13.
In his address, the Russian leader argued that Western countries are confronting significant strains in their energy sectors as a result of sanctions and policy measures. He suggested that these nations lack the capacity to resolve the resulting challenges through their own resources and mechanisms, underscoring what he described as a growing energy gap in Europe.
Putin pointed to the impact on fuel markets, noting that Western buyers turned away from Russian natural gas. He observed that prices rose sharply, with figures reaching around 2,000 euros per unit of propane in certain market moments, and he highlighted that such levels appeared influenced by speculative trading dynamics than by fundamentals alone. He emphasized that European price levels have remained elevated, citing quotes near 350 to 400 euros per thousand liters of propane as current benchmarks, while insisting that even these costs are excessive for the regional market’s health and stability.
During the same session, the Russian president charged that European Union member states are now paying elevated rates for oil and gas shipments, a situation he claimed has left the economies of many regional states near a standstill. He framed the situation as one where recovery and growth are hindered by high energy costs and external pressures that complicate investment and consumption patterns across the bloc.
Earlier remarks from Kremlin officials also touched on energy infrastructure, including brief allusions to pipeline safety and cross-border energy logistics, such as the Balticconnector link between Finland and Estonia. The dialogue surrounding such infrastructure has loomed large in regional energy security discussions, particularly given ongoing debates about supply diversification and the resilience of energy markets in northern Europe. (RIA News)