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 April 2026
Oil traders warning of $200/bl oil are wrong, and the market should be wary of proclamations that the impact of the oil shortage has only begun to be felt and a that a ‘harsh adjustment’ is coming—even for industrialised nations
28 April 2026
Restoring supply from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Iraq involves complexities far beyond simply adjusting operational controls
28 April 2026
Datacentres will guzzle power at a ferocious rate, but the impact on wider energy markets will be far more complex than previously thought
28 April 2026
The key energy player faces balancing regional routes, political complexities, and creating a clear strategic vision for energy security
