MOSCOW, October 27. /TASS/. Europe hits its own industry and social sphere by rejecting Russian energy resources, President Vladimir Putin said at a summit of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF).
It is necessary to think of termination of conflicts and sanctions lifting for stabilization of the international gas market, the head of state said.
TASS collected the key statements of the Russian leader.
GECF
The dialogue among GECF participant is evolving "without any behind-the-scenes maneuvering and market manipulation attempts."
Member-countries of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) account for approximately 40% of global gas exports.
Participants and observers of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum have resources to tackle the most difficult tasks in the gas industry.
Gas-exporting countries do not create any "cartel" and do not breach international law by their cooperation.
Gas demand
Natural gas accounts for a quarter of the planet’s energy balance.
The role of natural gas as a pillar of the global energy sector, industry, and the agricultural sector will only continue to strengthen.
LNG, which currently accounts for half of global trade, could help resolve the issue of disruptions in worldwide gas supplies. "Large volumes of supply have been removed from the market in a short period, with demand remaining," said the Russian leader.
Natural gas demand will continue growing over time. Accordingly, there is a need "to develop new fields, upgrade processing facilities and invest in transport projects, including marine fleet and infrastructure for liquefied natural gas shipments and intake. Obviously, this means large-scale, long-term investments."
Global gas demand will grow to 5.5 bln cubic meters per year by 2050 and international deliveries will grow by about 1.5 times.
International gas prices increased dramatically and the sector found itself in the state of uncertainty. Nevertheless, "they can also roll back sharply, return to the previous level,"
There is a direct connection between the gas industry and global food security. "Another important thing that we noted and that I would like to note too is how the gas production and development is connected to food security. We know that fertilizers that multiple countries rely on directly for food security are produced from natural gas."
Development of cooperation
Efficient interaction mechanisms should be built up in the gas sphere.
Russia and the United States are exploring an option of the joint work in the Arctic.
Moscow "is open for cooperation, for exchanges of technological developments in the gas sphere."
Proposals for gas-exporting countries
A professional and responsible approach is required in the green agenda sphere. "The only issue is not to abuse this green agenda for domestic political reasons. We must act responsibly and professionally, and take into account the gas industry’s capabilities during the transition period and in the future." Gas-exporting nations need to work on optimizing fuel supply routes to markets.
Gas-exporting nations need to expand consultations concerning crisis situations in the market and threats to infrastructure, "to assess risks - including physical threats to gas infrastructure - in a timely manner, and to coordinate approaches to carrying out supplies."
Russia’s role as gas supplier
Russia ranks first globally in terms of natural gas reserves and is second in production.
Russia is a responsible gas supplier abroad, reliable and predictable partner.
The country is systemically strengthening its process sovereignty, including in the gas sphere.
Any attempts to exclude Russia from global gas market players have serious consequences. "Any attempts to exclude Russia from participants of the global gas market and restrict development of this sector in our country have serious consequences. Above all, these are growing exorbitant costs for foreign end consumers of gas, companies, businesses and households," Putin said.
Importance of stability
Rising spot gas prices are not welcome news for producers, as stability in the global market is more important,
Sanctions are used as a tool for unfair competition, which leads to severe consequences for everyone, most notably for those who initiate such measures.
Termination of conflicts and lifting of sanctions should be considered in order to stabilize the global gas market.
The sovereignty of one nation cannot be ensured at the expense of other countries, including in the energy sphere. "All energy sovereignty, and sovereignty in general in the broad sense of the word, in the literal sense of the word, cannot and should not be provided by one country at the expense of other countries," the Russian leader said.
European problems
Europe itself is undermining its industries and social sphere by rejecting Russian energy. "This is what we are currently witnessing in Europe, which is harming its industries and social sphere by its own actions, by refusing Russian energy and terminating long-term contracts," Putin said, citing the proverb "don't dig a pit for others and fall into it oneself."
Created as an association of coal and steel, the European Union is now preventing developing economies from using hydrocarbons.
European countries have reopened coal mines amid energy challenges, despite their commitment to the "green agenda."
Situation around Nord Stream gas pipelines
The bombing of Russia’s Nord Stream gas pipelines is a direct terrorist act. "Direct terrorist acts were committed against Russian gas pipelines running to Europe. They were blown up."
Climate change
Russia has first-hand experience of climate changes as they largely occur in the North, which accounts for 70% of the country’s territory.
Permafrost processes are being observed in Russia and they have serious consequences for a number of regions.