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Gas consumption by EU countries down 11% in September, by China - up 11% in August — GECF

In particular, gas demand decreased by 16% in September to 3.6 bln cubic meters in Germany, by 0.1% to 3.8 bln cubic meters in Italy, by 27% to 1.4 bln cubic meters in France, and by 6% to 2.4 bln cubic meters in Spain

MOSCOW, October 17. /TASS/. Gas consumption by European Union (EU) countries decreased by 11% in September 2023 year-on-year to 19 bln cubic meters amid mounting solar and nuclear generation. That said, pipeline gas imports to the EU fell by 21% last month, while China’s gas consumption gained 11% in August, the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) said in a report.

Total gas consumption in the EU dropped by 9.3% in January-September year-on-year to 234 bln cubic meters.

"In September 2023, gas consumption in the European Union fell again after rising sharply in the previous month. Gas consumption lost 11% in annual terms to 19 bln cubic meters. The decrease was due to the continuing introduction of the EU’s regulation, which suggests a voluntary gas demand reduction by 15% from April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024. Moreover, an increase in generation of solar and nuclear energy in electricity production resulted in a decline in gas dependence in the structure of electricity production in the EU," the report said. Meanwhile the demand in the industrial sector of certain EU countries started recovering amid falling gas prices, though it has not yet reached the levels registered in previous years.

In particular, gas demand decreased by 16% in September to 3.6 bln cubic meters in Germany, by 0.1% to 3.8 bln cubic meters in Italy, by 27% to 1.4 bln cubic meters in France, and by 6% to 2.4 bln cubic meters in Spain. The UK’s gas consumption fell by 21% to 3 bln cubic meters in the reporting period. China’s total gas consumption rose by 11% in August year-on-year to 33 bln cubic meters (in January-August 2023 demand added 7.4% to 260 bln cubic meters), according to the report.

Imports of pipeline gas to the EU amounted to 10.8 bln cubic meters in September, down by 19% month-on-month and by 21% year-on-year. Overall, pipeline supplies to the EU plunged by 29% year-to-date to 115 bln cubic meters. Of this volume Russian deliveries only equaled 19 bln cubic meters (down by 66%), the GECF said, adding that supplies from Norway totaled 62 bln cubic meters (down by 13%), 23 bln cubic meters were supplied from Algeria, while the remaining volumes flew from Azerbaijan and Libya. The shares of Norwegian and Russian gas in the total volume of pipeline supplies have equaled 54% and 17%, respectively, in 2023.

LNG supplies

LNG deliveries to Europe fell last month year-on-year for the third consecutive month - by 22% to 7.59 mln tones, which is the lowest level since November 2021. LNG imports went down due to high gas reserves, a decline in demand and a rise in the difference of spot prices between the Asian-Pacific region and Europe. Asian countries’ LNG imports rose by 11% to 21.75 mln tons. Europe’s year-to-date imports totaled 92.55 mln tons (up by 2.4%), while Asia imported 194.14 mln tones (up by 3.1%).

Global LNG exports went up by 2.8% in September year-on-year to 33.58 mln tons. Year-to-date global LNG exports gained 3.7% to 304.87 mln tons.

The US, Qatar and Australia were the largest suppliers of liquefied gas in September, the GECF said, adding that Russia was the fourth.

Middle East conflict

Food prices in Gaza surge more than tenfold, UN agency says

According to OCHA, bakeries in central Gaza have been shutting down and re-opening intermittently due to a lack of flour and fuel

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West refuses to accept proof of Ukraine’s use of chemical weapons — Russian envoy

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Putin believes that US President-elect Trump’s life may be in danger

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Japan's PM reiterates desire to sign peace treaty with Russia

Moscow and Tokyo have been negotiating a peace treaty to mark the end of World War II since the mid-20th century

Belarusian President Lukashenko points to 'NATOfication' of Europe, entire world

"The arms race is rapidly gaining momentum," Alexander Lukashenko underlined

FACTBOX: What to know about attacks of militants on Syria’s government forces

Russia ready for talks with Ukraine on conditions proposed in June — Putin

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Russians wipe out three Ukrainian strongholds, over 20 Azov fighters in advance on Kharkov

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Kremlin considers militants' attack on Aleppo encroachment on Syria's sovereignty

"We urge Syria’s authorities to reassert control and restore constitutional order as soon as possible," Dmitry Peskov stressed

Western handlers beginning to dump Zelensky — Ukrainian politician

"Polls are now emerging where Zelensky is no longer at the top but in second or even third place," Viktor Medvedchuk noted

Peacekeepers deployment in Ukraine possible only with consent of all conflict parties

The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service said in a statement earlier in the day that the West may seek to achieve its objectives in Ukraine by implementing an actual occupation, deploying a so-called peacekeeping contingent of 100,000 personnel, with plans to divide the country among Romania, Poland, Germany, and the UK

Russian aerospace forces eliminate at least 20 militants in Syria’s Aleppo, Idlib

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Hungary greenlights pouring of first concrete in Paks-2 NPP foundation — MFA

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto noted that in order to approve the construction of Paks-2, some not-so-simple safety measures had to be taken

Russia’s top diplomat slams NATO for discussions of preemptive strikes on Russia

"These claims were made by some admiral. Absolutely reckless. They have a lot of high-ranking military officials who have never even seen real battle," Sergey Lavrov stated

Israel prohibits residents of 60 villages in southern Lebanon from returning home

According to the army statement, those moving south of the line may endanger themselves

Russian forces wipe out five ATACMS launchers using Iskander missiles

In particular, two MLRS launchers and a transporter-loader vehicle were destroyed near the settlement of Tokari, and three HIMARS launchers were taken out near the settlement of Maly Bobrik, the statement reads

Ukraine demolishes buildings with soldiers inside as Russian forces advance — DPR leader

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"As I have repeatedly said, we will always respond," the president emphasized

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Scholz shares details of talks with Putin, Zelensky says

The conversation between the Russian president and the German chancellor took place on November 15

Hungarian PM sounds alarm over presence of US, French troops in Ukraine

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Britain’s MI6 chief admits London's involvement in covert operations in Ukraine

According to Richard Moore, the cost of supporting Kiev was "well known"

Hezbollah to coordinate moves with Lebanese military as part of ceasefire

Assessing the outcome of the war with Israel, Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem asserted that the resistance forces had won "the greatest victory over Israel"

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According to Alexander Stepanov, the deployment makes sense in a situation where the Pentagon continues to project its military presence on Russia's eastern borders

Russian scientists to develop computer working at ‘speed of light’ by 2027 — researcher

"In the next two years, we plan to create a working prototype with processing speed of over 10 to the power of 19 operations per second, which significantly exceeds the current global level," Alexander Sergeyev said

Presidential aide blames West for attempts to harm Russia at sea

Nikolay Patrushev said that in a situation like this Russia should firmly defend its position and prepare tools for the "comprehensive management of maritime activities aimed at ensuring national interests"

US funds 'Nazis, maniacs' in Ukraine, Israel — American journalist

Jackson Hinkle also pointed out that the US authorities are no friend of "freedom-loving American patriots"

Serbia lauds development of bilateral ties with Russia — Serbian parliament

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IN BRIEF: How Russia responded to Kiev’s strikes deep into its territory

Here are the key points about the strikes on Ukrainian military-industrial facilities

Ukrainian servicemen abandon military units due to fear of Russian army — official

Kiev is constantly losing control over populated areas because "tens of thousands of tired and desperate Ukrainian servicemen are leaving their positions to flee in an unknown direction," the agency reported

Leonardo booking system’s functionality restored — Rostec

Aeroflot airline said earlier that the issue and the return of tickets and provision of extra services in all sales channels were temporarily complicated due to the system’s failure

Kiev's defeatist rhetoric may be masking planned attacks on Russia — expert

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Rosneft produced 193.4 mln tons of hydrocarbons in 9M 2024 — company

Oil refining stood at 62.6 mln metric tons in nine months of this year

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"Everything here is much deeper than a decision to send a peacekeeper mission," Dmitry Peskov said

Design of super-heavy rocket to be finalized based on new technologies — Roscosmos

"The development of a super-heavy class rocket exposed a need for introducing innovative solutions, including new materials and engines," the press service said

West deploying troops to Ukraine to up ante in fight with Russia — senior diplomat

Mikhail Galuzin described such plans as provocative and noted that they "confirm the West’s intention to continue its profound engagement in a direct standoff with Russia"

Foreign fighters involved in terrorist attacks in Aleppo, Idlib provinces — Syrian army

The Syrian Armed Forces’ General Command warned that "terrorist organizations are spreading misleading information, news and videos on their platforms aimed at intimidating citizens"

Bilateral exchanges between Russia, North Korea their own business — Chinese MFA

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NATO spies study damage from Oreshnik at Yuzhmash — expert

Alexander Stepanov emphasized that both Kiev and its Western allies are closely scrutinizing the consequences of the strike on the plant

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The Russian leader also mentioned military facilities and defense industry enterprises as possible targets

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Western analysts describe Russia's Oreshnik as longest-range weapon ever used in Europe

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"A total of 100,000 so-called peacekeepers are planned to be sent to Ukraine," the SVR noted

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Welcome to Russia project helps to find spiritual, moral refuge — State Duma deputy

People want to move to Russia to preserve traditional values and maintain their own history, Maria Butina noted

Sending EU troops to Ukraine to make peace settlement impossible — Austrian lawmaker

Harald Vilimsky noted that the joint deployment of European troops will further escalate the security situation in Europe

Russia winning in Ukrainian conflict, Polish national security chief says

"The Russian side unquestionably holds both the initiative and the advantage on the battlefield," Head of the Polish National Security Bureau Jacek Siewiera said

Syrian government forces attacking terrorist headquarters in Idlib, Al-Dana — media

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Russia works on transforming '3+3' platform into organization — senior diplomat

Mikhail Galuzin stressed that the '3+3' regional cooperation platform is important for harmonizing the interests of all countries of the region

Hungarian PM’s office rules out his trip to Moscow for 80th anniversary of Victory

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Georgian riot police disperses protesters in central street

The police ran after people and detained them, using force, according to a TASS reporter at the scene

Russia sees no need to downgrade relations with Poland, ambassador says

Sergey Andreyev explained that relations will eventually need to be restored, so Russia does not want to initiate an escalation

Russia designs Titan rifle for commandos

The rifle is reliable with precise and dense fire

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un meets with Russian defense minister — KCNA

"Kim Jong Un said that Korea-Russia relations are a strong security mechanism that facilitates the prosperity of the peoples in the two countries, alleviates the situation in the region and guarantees international strategic stability," the news agency said

Russia weighs resumption of nuclear tests — senior diplomat

"The situation is quite complicated," Sergey Ryabkov said

Oreshnik becomes serious problem for Ukraine — Polish general

According to Waldemar Skrzypczak, satellite reconnaissance failed to detect the launch and flight of this missile

Russia-North Korea partnership pact reaffirms their interest in developing ties — Belousov

"We are grateful for the commitment to the course of deepening ties with Russia," the minister said

Putin slams election mudslinging against Trump’s family as 'vile'

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Russian diplomat says US won’t stop Russia from accomplishing special operation goals

Sergey Ryabkov was responding to a request to comment on news reports that US President Joe Biden had asked Congress for an additional $24 billion in aid for Ukraine

Defense Minister notes active expansion of Russia-North Korea military cooperation

"We look forward to close and fruitful cooperation with our Korean comrades," Andrey Belousov said

Kiev troops attempted to kill British mercenary who surrendered to Russians — officer

In his words, they fired conventional 120mm mortar rounds, silent munitions and at least one FPV drone with a fragmentation charge

Ukrainian forces follow Russian troops’ example to use fiber optics drones, Putin says

The head of state is confident that there will be a quick response from the Russian side

Ukrainian army says desertion main reason for loss of Ugledar

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Russian Embassy in Argentina monitors situation with malfunctioning ocean liner

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Russian football chief disappointed national team left off 2026 World Cup draw list

"Until the decision is reversed, our team will have no chance to participate in international competitions," Alexander Dyukov said

Russia says Ukraine lost up to 140 troops in battlegroup East’s zone of responsibility

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Strike on NATO bases possible in case of escalation, Medvedev says

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Unidentified UAVs continue to appear over US Air Force bases in UK — newspaper

On Tuesday, about 60 British military experts were stationed at US airbases across the UK to operate a counter-UAV system to operate a counter-UAV system designed to detect, track and destroy them

Putin approves purchase of Russian Elevator Company from French grain trader Louis Dreyfus

The corresponding order of the president was published on the official portal of legal information

Press review: CSTO discusses Russian weapons as US and Russia continue prisoner talks

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, November 29th

Russia to continue gathering evidence about Kiev’s chemical crimes — diplomat

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Banning import of food from New Zealand won’t affect Russia — watchdog

Earlier on Friday, the Russian government extended the food embargo for countries that imposed sanctions against Russia until the end of 2026

Debt burden of Russian stands at 11% of total households income — Central Bank

"This is a comfortable level, so we do not see any risks at large," Deputy Governor of the Bank of Russia Philipp Gabuniya said

Takeaways from Putin’s Q&A session in Kazakhstan: Oreshnik missile, inflation, ruble

The Russian president also spoke about inflation and the ruble exchange rate, noting that the situation is under control

Ukrainians flee from Kiev regime to regions reunited with Russia — politician

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Putin signs law on taxation of digital currencies

According to the law, digital currency is recognized as property

Elite units of Syrian troops deployed to Aleppo to defeat gangs — newspaper

Earlier, Syrian servicemen eliminated dozens of Jabhat al-Nusra militants during clashes in northern Aleppo

NATO growing more inclined to freeze Ukraine conflict — Russia’s SVR

"NATO has been unfolding training centers in Ukraine in an effort to train at least 1 million mobilized Ukrainians," the SVR highlighted

Biden unlikely to dare to seriously increase military aid to Kiev — expert

"The potential future use of Oreshnik will render ATACMS and Storm Shadow as battle-losing capabilities," a retired British diplomat and former economic counsellor at the British Embassy in Moscow Ian Proud said

North Korean leader sees missile strikes inside Russia as Western involvement in conflict

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Lavrov clarifies Russia's position on Ukraine crisis to foreign diplomats — MFA

"Participants in the roundtable exchanged views on the conflict and other pressing international topics," the ministry stated

Putin apologizes to Merkel over labrador incident

The president said that he "wanted to create a casual, friendly atmosphere" and did not know that the former German chancellor was afraid of dogs

Aeroflot reports difficulties with purchases, returns of tickets

The service provider takes measures to restore normal operation of the system as soon as possible, Aeroflot said

Russia's opponents see Finland as springboard in case of open conflict — politician

Leonid Slutsky noted that the current and previous leadership of Finland has been and remains engaged "on the lower turn of the sine wave, which is now marked by a sharp cooling of bilateral relations"

Closure of Russian consulates general in Poland possible, ambassador says

"Anything is possible, so we have long been prepared for any eventuality," Sergey Andreyev noted

UK continuing arms supplies to Kiev fraught with conflict of nuclear powers — diplomat

Andrey Kelin noted that "the British have utterly ignored all our warnings and opted for escalatory actions to further worsen the Ukrainian crisis"

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards eyes big response to Israel's latest attack

Iran’s Operation True Promise was carried out in April in response to the Israeli bombing of the Islamic republic’s embassy in Damascus

Niger receives delivery of military equipment from Russia — TV

The report also stated that this delivery highlights the strengthening of military-technical cooperation between Russia and Niger

Police use water cannons against protesters at Tbilisi rally

The protesters were throwing eggs and firecrackers at the policemen