Opinion: What will be the consequences of Vienna's refusal of gas from Russia

Igor Yushkov, an expert at the Financial University and the National Energy Security Fund, called the possible consequences of Austria's refusal to supply from Russia's natural gas. RIA Novosti informs about this today, November 18.

In this case, Yushkov believes, Gazprom may start reselling products that were intended for Austria to the same Slovakia. In any case, he added, the decision will be for the company from Russia.

EADaily reminds that the Austrian OMV at the end of last week confirmed the alleged shutdown of work with Gazprom Export from November 16. The company recalled that the case of gas supplies through Germany had already ended not in favor of Gazprom Export, and the judge ordered the Russian corporation to pay 230 million euros plus costs. Hence the obvious deterioration of bilateral relations.

Last year, the average daily deliveries from Gazprom to OMV amounted to 17 million cubic meters, that is, during the year the company could purchase a total of 6 billion cubic meters. According to Yushkov, this is about 40-45% of all Russian gas supplies through the territory of Ukraine, plus for Austria, Russia "closes about 80% of natural gas supplies."

"Of course, this is a problem now for Austria. Why did they do it?" — the Russian expert wondered.

"How will this improve your (OMV — EADaily) economic situation if you do not repay the debt that the arbitration calculated in favor of OMV, and you will not receive current supplies from Gazprom?" — He continued.

The Arbitration Court of the North-Western District had previously banned the Austrians from continuing the proceedings with Gazprom Export, including in arbitration at the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce.