Thursday, January 8, 2009

Europe Is Plunged Into An Energy Crisis As Talks Collapse

Gas storage and transit point in Boyarka, just outside Kiev in Ukraine Photo: AP

Russia Sparks Gas Crisis As Talks Collapse -- The Telegraph

Russia has plunged Europe into an unprecedented energy crisis after refusing to turn gas supplies back on.

Severe shortages caused by its decision to cut the pipeline running through Ukraine meant a number of countries were forced to close down industry, schools and hospitals.

As millions of Eastern Europeans continued to endure freezing temperatures and emergency cuts to heating, Russian energy giant Gazprom ignored frantic EU pleas to turn on gas supplies after a two day stoppage.

Slovakia and Romania declared states of energy emergency and told the EU that if supplies were not back in place by tomorrow the situation would be deadly serious. Austria warned rationing would begin on Monday unless the taps were turned back on.

Intense talks between the EU, Gazprom and Naftogaz, Ukraine's gas operator, collapsed in Brussels after Russia imposed last minute demands.

Read more ....

More News On Europe's Energy Crisis

Nato warning for Russia over 'political' gas crisis -- Times Online
Analysis: Money at root of Russia's gas war -- AP
Gas 'secure' but prices increase -- BBC
Putin insists Ukraine pay market gas price -- China View

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