Russia has announced the complete closure of Nord Stream 1, a vital gas pipeline to Europe, citing pipeline repairs.

Russian company Gazprom, the owner of the project, has said that gas supply from the Nord Stream 1 pipeline will be suspended for three days.

Russia is already supplying only 20 percent of its gas to Europe through this pipeline. Russia has cited faulty equipment as the reason.

However, Russia has also dismissed allegations that it has taken this step to respond to sanctions imposed after attacking Ukraine.

The Nord Stream 1 pipeline is a 1,200-kilometre long pipeline that runs from Saint Petersburg in western Russia to northeastern Germany, through the bottom of the Baltic Sea.

So far, gas from Russia to Germany is sent via the Nord Stream 1 pipeline via Ukraine. It was opened in 2011. In July 2022 also, it was closed for 10 days citing repairs.

European leaders fear Russia may create further supply disruptions to raise gas prices further. Gas prices have already gone up by 400 percent. In such a situation, living in Europe in winter is expected to be very difficult.

Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline yet to be commissioned

The laying of another pipeline 'Nord Stream 2' was completed in September 2021. Its length is also about 1,200 km.

The goal of doubling the supply of natural gas from Russia to Germany is set when the project is launched. This pipeline was to supply 55 billion cubic meters of gas to Germany every year.

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