In a statement published today on the Telegram, the Russian giant Gazprom announced that its shipments of gas to Germany via the Nord Stream pipeline would be reduced by

more than 40% per day, as it did not receive the necessary equipment from the German company Siemens, the Russian group said: "Gas shipments can only be guaranteed by the Nord Stream pipeline with up to 100 million cubic metres of gas per day, instead of 167 million cubic metres per day as planned."

She explained that among the reasons, "there are no compressors available from Siemens, as at present only 3 gas pressure units can be used" at the Portovaya pressure station, near Viborg (north-western Russia), where the "Nord Stream" line is being supplied.

Russian gas exports to Europe have declined since the start of sanctions against Moscow, owing to its military intervention in Ukraine.

Gazprom has suspended gas deliveries to several European customers who refused to pay in roubles.

Moscow demanded clients from "unfriendly countries" - including EU member states - To pay for gas in roubles, under the pretext of depriving them of supplies, in response to sanctions imposed by the European Union against the backdrop of the Russian military operation in Ukraine since 24 February, despite contracts providing for payment in euros or dollars, and the refusal of a number of European customers to pay in Russian currency.