9 Dec 2024, 10:23

Rates of gas withdrawal from UGS in Europe in early December lowest over past years

Meanwhile, Gazprom supplies gas for Europe through Ukraine in the volume of 42.4 mln cubic meters per day to the Sudzha gas pumping station in Russia’s Kursk Region

MOSCOW, December 9. /TASS/. European countries boosted gas withdrawal from their underground gas storage (UGS) facilities in early December, though the current withdrawal rates are among the lowest for this month over the past few years amid relatively warm weather, according to data provided by Gas Infrastructure Europe (GIE).

Europe has withdrawn over 15.5 bln cubic meters (bcm) from UGS facilities since the beginning of the heating season. The gas price on the exchange in Europe is around $500 per 1,000 cubic meters. Meanwhile, Gazprom supplies gas for Europe through Ukraine in the volume of 42.4 mln cubic meters per day to the Sudzha gas pumping station in Russia’s Kursk Region.

"Gazprom supplies Russian gas for transit through Ukrainian territory in the volume confirmed by the Ukrainian side via the Sudzha gas pumping station of 42.4 mln cubic meters as of December 9. The request for the Sokhranovka gas pumping station has been rejected," a Gazprom representative told reporters. On the previous day, the pumping equaled 42.4 mln cubic meters.

Gas withdrawal from UGS facilities in EU countries amounted to 407 mln cubic meters on December 7, according to GIE. Meanwhile pumping equaled 43 mln cubic meters. European UGS facilities are currently 82.38% full (2.07 percentage points lower than the average as of this date in the past five years), with 91.5 bln cubic meters of gas stored in them.

The heating season in Europe started on October 29, 2024 (10 days earlier than in the previous autumn-winter season), with EU countries having withdrawn more than 15.5 bln cubic meters of gas from UGS facilities since then.

The share of wind generation in the EU’s electricity generation has increased to 20% in December. The gas purchase price averaged $491 per 1,000 cubic meters in Europe in November and it has been around $517 in December.

Total LNG supplies from terminals to Europe’s gas transport system in November hit the lowest level for this month since 2021. Facilities for regasification of liquefied gas and its further pumping into Europe’s pipelines are loaded by 41% of their capacity now.

Visa-free regime will give new impetus to development of tourism with Oman — minister

The Economic Development Ministry stressed that the route network of air traffic with the kingdom is also developing

Pope Francis’ peace efforts rejected by Zelensky, NATO — Hungarian activist

According to Endre Simo, the head of the Roman Catholic Church "sought compromise between East and West, because he believed that the opposing sides should extend a hand to each other for the sake of harmonious coexistence of peoples and nations"

PREVIEW: Moscow-based MGIMO University to host Russian-African youth forum

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Kiev yet to respond to Putin's proposal on not hitting civilian targets — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov said that the Russian president has repeatedly stated willingness to engage the other side on this matter, but as Kiev has forbidden direct talks with Russia, it's unclear with whom Moscow could talk the issue over

Yesterday, 18:15

Pope Francis to be buried late this week

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Press review: US could rally 70 countries against China and EU targets Russia before May 9

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Yesterday, 16:37

Russia started strengthening marine potential before US actions — official

The situation will evolve "more likely the other way around," the presidential aide said when answering the question whether Russia endeavors to catch up with the US, considering extensive plans of the US administration

Switzerland imposes sanctions on eight Russian media outlets

The restrictions will take effect on April 23

Yesterday, 16:41

Russian-made SJ-100 jet preparing for maiden flight — company executive

A prototype of the passenger jet with imported systems and domestically-produced PD-8 engines successfully completed its first test flight in March 2025

Yesterday, 18:20

Russia will not abandon its other partners for sake of dialogue with US — diplomat

"The United States, we welcome you. But you are not the only one. And we will see what becomes of the dialogue with you," he added

Yesterday, 18:57

Russia must repay moral debt to residents of Donbass, Novorossiya — Putin

The president noted that restoration of Donbass and Novorossiya is a complex but gradually advancing process

Erdogan’s son confesses he ‘enjoys coming to Russia’

Necmeddin Bilal Erdogan said he had been to Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan, Sochi and Yakutsk

Yesterday, 18:59

First Swedish AWACS aircraft arrives in Ukraine, test flight completed — UNIAN

Sweden promised to supply Kiev with two Saab 340 AEW&C (ACS-890) aircraft

Putin holds talks with Oman’s sultan for first time ever

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Political firestorm around Pentagon reshuffle aimed at hurting Trump agenda — Hegseth

The US defense secretary reiterated that the fired officials were deemed to be responsible for several high-profile information leaks

Ukrainian forces unsuccessfully tried to attack LPR, DPR during Easter truce — expert

During the Easter truce, numerous ceasefire violations by Ukrainian armed formations have been recorded in the areas of Nadiya, Novoogorovka, Makeyevka, Belogorovka, Novoye and Grigorovka, Andrey Marochko said

Yesterday, 15:42

Putin explains strike on Sumy congress center by Ukrainian military award ceremony

The Russian president exemplified that in restaurants, the Ukrainian military personnel "hold some gatherings, meetings, conferences"

Yesterday, 23:06

White House dismisses allegations against Pentagon chief as fake news

According to press secretary Karoline Leavitt, US President Donald Trump said that 'he stands strongly behind the Secretary of Defense'

Ukrainian troops blow up historical buildings at monastery in Russia’s Kursk Region

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Kiev blocks every effort to take bodies of Ukrainian soldiers from battlefields near Kursk

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Two days ago, 13:20

Incomprehensible how EU openly willing to resume Nazi ideology — Lavrov

The European Union’s intention to establish a coalition on sending troops to Ukraine demonstrates a superiority intention, the Russian Foreign Ministry said

Yesterday, 18:50

Pope Francis died of stroke that caused coma, cardiac arrest — statement

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Press review: Vatican adjusts after Pope’s death as Moscow eyes Afghan projects post-ban

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No plans for Putin to attend Pope Francis’ funeral — Kremlin spokesman

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Kharkov mobilization bleeds local working class — Ukrainian legislator

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Kremlin unaware about contents of Trump’s peace plan for Ukraine

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Ukrainian troops intentionally destroy Gornal monastery — Russian envoy

Rodion Miroshnik stressed that the monastery will be rebuilt

Trump’s approval rating slides to 42%, latest poll shows

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Envoy reveals frequency of Kiev’s attacks on Russian energy facilities in past month

Rodion Miroshnik told TASS that Ukrainian troops have launched 144 attacks on Russian energy facilities

Yesterday, 10:46

Nazis whom Zelensky made welcome in power to sacrifice him whenever possible — politician

Viktor Medvedchuk emphasized that Zelensky had long ago become a pawn in both foreign and domestic politics

Yesterday, 18:19

Head of Administrative and Budget Office Vought may replace Musk in DOGE — Bloomberg

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Russia has no intention to get into naval arms race — presidential aide

Nikolay Patrushev drew attention to the "increased competition" between the United States and China in the naval sphere

Yesterday, 11:38

China tests non-nuclear hydrogen bomb

When activated by conventional explosives, the magnesium hydride underwent rapid thermal decomposition, releasing hydrogen gas that ignited into a sustained inferno, the researchers said in a peer-reviewed paper published in the Chinese-language Journal of Projectiles, Rockets, Missiles and Guidance

Yesterday, 14:54

Putin calls Pope's passing during Easter period 'special sign'

The Russian president stressed that "the Pope did much good not only for his flock, but for the world as a whole"

Russian troops take precautions to prevent civilian casualties in Kursk Region settlement

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Yesterday, 11:14

Earth trembles at Russia’s tallest active volcano

Continued activity may affect low-flying aircraft

Yesterday, 21:39

Kiev’s proposal to extend Easter truce looks cynical to Russian expert

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Yesterday, 11:12

Russian troops continue special military operation after truce expires

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicted roughly 20 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed an enemy artillery gun in its area of responsibility over the past 24 hours, the ministry reported

Yesterday, 14:45

Kiev was 'prompted' to accept Russia's Easter ceasefire proposal — Putin

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Putin ratifies agreement on strategic partnership with Iran

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Yesterday, 09:10

Houthis claim strikes on two US aircraft carrier groups

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Ukraine acknowledges de facto purchase of Russian gas from Europe

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Erdogan’s son praises Putin as ‘decisive leader’

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Yesterday, 20:25

23 children die, 167 receive injuries in Ukraine’s attacks on Belgorod Region in 3.5 years

Region’s governor, Vyacheslav Gladkov, said that the enemy shells 'cities and villages from all types of weapons, drops munitions from drones, causing suffering to civilians'

Yesterday, 10:59

Former Italian PM says Russia’s wish not to have enemies at its doorstep understandable

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Farewell ceremony for Pope Francis begins in Vatican

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Ukraine conflict taught Russia how to counter Western weapons, senior NATO commander says

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Yesterday, 14:55

Trump not coming to Victory Day Parade in Moscow on May 9 — Kremlin

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Premature to talk about results of negotiations with US on Ukraine — presidential aide

"We are holding serious and substantial discussions on Ukraine and I believe the dialogue will continue this week," Yury Ushakov emphasized

Russian servicemen liberate Gornal monastery in Kursk Region — sources

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Trump says hopes for Russia-US deal to be made in coming week

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Yesterday, 13:15

West incapable of competing in trade on legal grounds — Russian Foreign Ministry

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Ukrainian reserves near Krasnoarmeysk running low amid new Russian successes — politician

Igor Kimakovsky recalled that the Ukrainian army attempted to "cut off" Russia's advance by drones

Yesterday, 14:25

EU cannot support Ukraine in military conflict without US — Kneissl

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Sculptor Tsereteli passes away at 91

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EU’s demands to leaders not to come to Moscow on May 9 show depth of West’s descent

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Yesterday, 10:00

Press review: Easter truce may shift Ukraine conflict as Iran, US report nuclear progress

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Yesterday, 18:13

IN BRIEF: Putin signs off on bills to protect Russians from foreign influence

Foreign agent status will also be given for supporting similar decisions by foreign governments

Yesterday, 09:53

Durov says Telegram never disclosed single byte of private messages in its 12-year history

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Russian army advances near Pokrovsk despite massive attacks by Ukrainian drones

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Hungarian PM casts vote opposing Ukraine's admission to the EU in national referendum

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Zelensky reports explosion at Motor Sich plant

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Russian, Bangladeshi naval crews hold joint maneuvers in Indian Ocean

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Move over Malkin: Ovechkin breaks record for playoff power play goals by Russians

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Putin to take part in SPIEF 2025, Foreign Ministry says

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Witkoff plans to visit Moscow this week, Kremlin aide says

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Yesterday, 20:59

Trump confirms his coming to Pope Francis’ funeral

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Top Russian human rights defender reveals real reason behind conflict with West

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Yesterday, 13:17

Zelensky loses London's support, hits out at Beijing — Medvedchuk

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Russian forces encircling Ukrainian troops in Gornal in Kursk region — senior lawmaker

Earlier, the Russian Defense Ministry reported that, prior to the Easter truce, units from Russia’s Battlegroup North had struck Ukrainian brigades near Gornal

Yesterday, 11:18

Moscow welcomes US statements on Ukraine’s impossibility to join NATO — Kremlin

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Yesterday, 16:42

Putin says Ukrainian soldiers make restaurants military targets by holding parties there

This issue needs to be addressed, perhaps, through bilateral talks, according to the president

Yesterday, 22:11

PREVIEW: Putin to hold talks with visiting Omani Sultan Al Said

The Kremlin has announced that the two sides will focus on key areas of cooperation in the economic, financial, and cultural spheres as well as pressing international and regional issues.

Hyundai registers at least eight trademarks in Russia — patent authority

All trademarks registered are in Class 12 of the International Classification of Goods and Services, which covers cars, as well as spare parts and accessories

Yesterday, 14:02

Kiev foolishly squanders chances given it by Russia, int'l community — Foreign Ministry

Maria Zakharova said that the Russian leadership has repeatedly stated that Kiev is incompetent

Yesterday, 15:47

China is top marine economic power now — Russian presidential aide

The struggle for the World Ocean lasted for several centuries and a small quiet period was only after 1991, when the socialist block disintegrated, Nikolay Patrushev said

NATO’s aggressive policy based on military planning — senior Russian diplomat

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko noted that Moscow would use all available means to ensure its defense strength amid the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s aggressive aspirations

US overestimates own power in attempt to squeeze China out of global trade — newspaper

Washington's blatant coercion of negotiating parties to "pick sides" and its open attempt to contain and isolate China lay bare its arrogant and hegemonic intentions, representing a blatant defiance and disruption of the global economic and trade order, the paper wrote

Kremlin says no plans for talks with Kiev on suspending attacks on civilian targets

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Russian army breaches second line of Ukrainian defenses near Konstantinovka

Advisor to the DPR head Igor Kimakovsky noted that intense fighting is ongoing in the Chasov Yar area, where the enemy is attempting to hold strategic heights to prevent the Russian Armed Forces from gaining control of the region

Cardinals Parolin, Tagle likely to become pope — betting agency

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Yesterday, 12:02

No lasting peace possible in Ukraine without regime change, former PM says

Nikolay Azarov has repeatedly stated that Ukraine is being led by a Nazi regime, under which there is no freedom of speech, and the opposition and the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church are being persecuted

Israeli air strikes kill at least 29 Gazans over past day — TV

According to the Al Jazeera, Israeli forces have been delivering attacks on tent camps for displaced people across the Palestinian enclave

Ban on strikes on civilian targets requires clear distinction — Kremlin spokesman

Dmitry Peskov said that "it is essential to distinguish the circumstances under which these sites may be subjected to military strikes and when they should not"

Emergency introduced in Kirzhach district of Vladimir Region after explosion

Emergency response services are working on the site

Trump’s plan to resolve Ukraine crisis to feature in new history textbooks — Kremlin aide

Vladimir Medinsky noted 'the extraordinary efforts being taken by the new US administration in an attempt to find a reasonable solution to the Ukraine conflict'

Russian troops liberate Sukhaya Balka community in Donetsk region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted more than 310 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed four enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Yesterday, 17:57

Don't get too high or too low about talks with US, Russian diplomat says

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Kadyrov says Ukrainian forces tried to cross Russian border in Sumy area, were stopped

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Yesterday, 13:25

FACTBOX: Vatican enters sede vacante period, as pontiff passes

Sede Vacante is a period that spans from the death or resignation of the Pope to the election of his successor

Yesterday, 15:22

Russia ready to talk directly to Ukraine about civilian infrastructure strikes — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov underscored that "earlier the president repeatedly voiced his readiness for negotiations with the Ukrainian side"

Kiev hits LPR with UAVs, trying to show importance before London talks — expert

Andrey Marochko suggested that Ukrainian forces might escalate their attacks on other frontline villages ahead of the forthcoming talks

FACTBOX: What to know about explosion at Russia’s military unit

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Kremlin dismisses idea of placing rushed deadlines on Ukraine conflict resolution

As Dmitry Peskov stressed, the issue of the Ukrainian settlement is "extremely complex"