German energy giants Uniper and RWE reportedly received letters from Gazprom claiming force majeure on gas deliveries, a report from Reuters indicates. The detail underscores the tense backdrop of European energy security concerns as suppliers and governments reassess contract terms amid ongoing supply disruptions. Reuters notes that RWE chose not to comment on the contents of the letter or the company’s legal stance, leaving details and interpretation to public authorities and legal counsel.
Earlier coverage highlighted that Uniper itself received a similar communication from Gazprom asserting force majeure over gas supplies. The German utility pushed back on that claim, describing the force majeure assertion as untenable and officially denying its applicability to the current gas contracts. The denial reflects the contentious nature of recent communications from Gazprom and the industry’s careful handling of contract force majeure provisions.
In the days that followed, Uniper began drawing gas from its stored inventories and advised consumers of the possibility of higher prices. This sequence of steps aligns with a broader response to a sustained decrease in Russian gas deliveries, prompting precautionary actions to stabilize supply while balancing market expectations.
On July 18, Uniper also tapped into its existing credit facility with KfW, drawing on the full €2 billion line and seeking an extension to bolster liquidity. Discussions between the German government and Uniper continue, focusing on stabilization measures and the framework for ongoing support. The exact expiration date of the credit facility renewal remains undetermined at this stage, with negotiations geared toward ensuring energy resilience for the company and its customers.