Russian Gas Inflows into Czech Republic Surge: Traders Silent on Importers Amidst Concerns

In a recent revelation, Minister of Industry and Trade, Jozef Síkela (STAN), disclosed that some traders have been actively importing Russian gas into the Czech Republic since October. Síkela shared this information on a social media platform, emphasizing that Russian gas constituted 79.6 million cubic meters, or 1.2 percent, of the total volume of supplies from January to October this year. Notably, details about the importers have been kept under wraps as a trade secret.

The influx of Russian gas is evident from the data at the gas transfer station in Lanžhot, located in the South Moravian region. Lukáš Kovanda, the leading economist of Trinity Bank, highlighted the shift in gas flow patterns, stating that since October, gas at this border station no longer travels from the Czech Republic to Slovakia as before but from Slovakia to the Czech Republic, reaching volumes of up to 100 gigawatt-hours per day. Kovanda estimates that up to 40 percent of the gas imported into the Czech Republic is now sourced from Russia.

While some countries still depend on Russian gas, it remains exempt from sanctions when imported into the EU, according to Síkela. However, he emphasized the importance of consumer awareness, stating, “I would consider it correct for consumers to be informed whether they are buying gas from suppliers who purchase Russian gas.”

Earlier this year, the flow of Russian gas into the Czech Republic had ceased, with the state opting for gas from Norway and liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the Netherlands and Belgium. This shift marked a significant departure from previous years when Russian gas comprised around 97 percent of the country’s gas imports.

Síkela has raised the question of whether it is necessary to introduce restrictive measures at the national level or to coordinate efforts within the entire EU. The resurgence of Russian gas imports raises concerns and prompts a critical examination of the balance between energy security and geopolitical considerations within the European context. The silence surrounding the identities of the importers adds an additional layer of complexity to this evolving situation.

Article by Prague Forum

Recent posts

See All
  • Hans Weber
  • November 1, 2024

Slovakia’s Interior Ministry Rectifies Mistake in Listing of Andrej Babiš as StB Agent

  • Hans Weber
  • November 1, 2024

Celebrating Republic Day of Kazakhstan and Examining the Relationship Between Kazakhstan and Czechia

  • Hans Weber
  • November 1, 2024

Address of Ambassador H.E. Egemen BAĞIŞ at the celebration of 101st Anniversary of the Proclamation of the Republic of Türkiye at the National Museum of the Czech Republic

Prague Forum Membership

Join us

Be part of building bridges and channels to engage all the international key voices and decision makers living in the Czech Republic.

Become a member

Prague Forum Membership

Join us

    Close