Russian energy minister Nikolay Shulginov
Europe’s major gas suppliers in war of words
Russia and Norway take divergent views on how to tackle current price volatility
The differing attitudes of the two largest pipeline gas suppliers to northwest Europe on the causes of the ‘crisis’ that has affected the continent’s gas markets were laid bare in opening remarks at the 23rd ministerial meeting of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) in mid-November. Norway, a GECF observer member, spoke in favour of letting markets efficiently set prices and for no government interference. Russia blamed lack of respect for long-term contracts. “We have experienced a very volatile gas market through the last couple of years, providing substantial challenges for both consumers and producers,” says Morten Anker, deputy director general at Norway’s Ministry of Petroleum and
Also in this section
28 January 2026
The alliance looks to bolster market management credibility by bringing greater clarity and unity to output cuts and producer capacity later in 2026
23 January 2026
A strategic pivot away from Russian crude in recent weeks tees up the possibility of improved US-India trade relations
23 January 2026
The signing of a deal with a TotalEnergies-led consortium to explore for gas in a block adjoining Israel’s maritime area may breathe new life into the country’s gas ambitions
22 January 2026
As Saudi Arabia pushes mining as a new pillar of its economy, Saudi Aramco is positioning itself at the intersection of hydrocarbons, minerals and industrial policy
