Germany's Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action Robert Habeck shows a diagram of German gas storage during a news conference in Berlin, Germany on June 23, 2022. MARKUS SCHREIBER AP BERLIN - Germany Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action Robert Habeck criticized the excessive gas prices charged by friendly supplier countries, such as the United States.
Some countries, even the friendly ones, are charging astronomical prices in some cases. Habeck told the Neue Osnabr cker Zeitung NOZ that this brings problems that we must talk about.
In Europe, gas prices are twice as high as before the start of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The United States turned to us when oil prices soared, and national oil reserves were tapped in Europe as well, Habeck said. I think such solidarity would be good for curbing gas prices. The major leaks were discovered last week after explosions were detected by Norway's earthquake service. Russia and the US have accused each other of sabotage.
Germany, Europe's largest economy, relies heavily on gas from other countries. The Federal Statistical Office said last year 95 percent of natural gas consumed in the country was imported, meaning that the European Union EU must bundle its market power and orchestrate smart and synchronized purchasing behavior. The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said she preferred to discuss a price cap on gas.
Electricity prices are affected by high gas prices. She said on Wednesday in Strasbourg, France that we have to limit the inflationary impact of gas on electricity everywhere in Europe.