Russia’s Gazprom Export has informed Austrian energy company OMV that gas supplies to Austria will cease on Saturday, November 16, 2024. The announcement comes after a legal dispute in which the International Chamber of Commerce ruled in favor of OMV, ordering Gazprom to pay €230 million. Austrian officials view the move as a retaliatory measure linked to ongoing EU sanctions against Russia over its war in Ukraine.
Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer strongly condemned the decision, declaring, "We will not allow ourselves to be blackmailed or forced to our knees." Nehammer emphasized Austria’s commitment to its Ukraine policy and EU sanctions despite Russia’s efforts to apply pressure through energy measures.
The halt marks a significant escalation in the strained energy relations between the EU and Russia. Austria had been one of the few EU countries still receiving substantial amounts of Russian gas in 2024, with imports accounting for 80% of its supply.
OMV stated that future gas deliveries would be considered prepaid until the arbitration-awarded amount was recovered. Despite the supply cut, both OMV and E-Control, Austria’s regulatory authority, have assured the public that there is no immediate risk of a gas shortage. "The situation is significantly better than during the energy crisis following the start of the Ukraine war in 2022," said Alfons Haber, board member of E-Control. Reduced gas consumption and diversification of supply sources have improved Austria’s energy security.
