Putin's Secret Weapon Is 'Winter'... Europe on Alert Over Possible Gas Cutoff

Greek National Broadcaster
Also Advises on 'How to Steal Gasoline'

Vladimir Putin, President of Russia. / Photo by EPA Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Na Ye-eun] European countries are under pressure as they have yet to find alternative gas suppliers to replace Russia, and with the possibility of Russia cutting off gas supplies this coming winter, the situation is becoming more precarious.

According to recent major foreign media reports, Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), warned on the 22nd (local time) that Russia might completely halt gas exports this winter, urging European countries to prepare for this possibility.

He added, "As winter approaches, Russia's intentions will become clearer," analyzing that "the reduction in exports is likely aimed at preventing Europe from filling its gas storage facilities, thereby increasing Russia's leverage during the winter season."

Robert Habeck, Germany's Minister for Economic Affairs, also told reporters at an airshow event, "Given the current situation, we must consider the possibility that President Putin will further reduce gas supplies significantly."

He continued, "The government has no choice but to escalate the current Stage 1 emergency measures to Stage 2." If Germany implements Stage 2 emergency measures, energy companies will be able to pass increased costs on to households and businesses, and coal-fired power generation can be increased to reduce gas consumption.

Before the war, Europe's dependence on Russian gas was as high as 40%, and it still remains at around 20%. The European Union (EU) has agreed to completely ban Russian coal imports and reduce crude oil imports by 90% by the end of this year, but gas embargo measures have yet to even be brought to the negotiation table.

To make matters worse, a recent explosion at a liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility off the coast of Texas, USA, which had partially supplied Europe's gas demand, has further complicated gas supply and demand.

A gas station in Thessaloniki, Greece.
Photo by EPA Yonhap News

Meanwhile, Greece's state broadcaster recently faced criticism from viewers after airing a news segment that appeared to advise on 'how to steal gasoline' amid soaring fuel prices.

According to AFP and the British daily The Guardian, on the 22nd, a reporter from Greece's state TV 'ERT' introduced viewers to a method of extracting gasoline from cars during the morning news.

He demonstrated, saying, "It's not very complicated, and you don't need any special tubes. A common hose that you might have at home will do."

After the demonstration, a car mechanic showed parts inside the vehicle where gasoline could be stolen by replacing the car's fuel tank.

The video recorded over 170,000 views on 'Ruben,' a Greek online community. Viewers criticized the broadcast, saying, "Is this broadcast sane, giving tips on how to steal gasoline?"

Greece is one of the European countries on emergency alert due to Russia's reduction in natural gas supplies. In Athens, gasoline prices averaged 2.42 euros per liter, about an 18% increase from March (2.04 euros). In island regions, prices reportedly soared to 2.50 euros.

With inflation reaching its highest level in 29 years (11.3% as of May), public dissatisfaction is growing.