Putin Mocks European Gas Prices: "Go Shave Yourself"
Russian President Vladimir Putin made a sarcastic comment on European natural gas prices, stating that prices could reach $1,500 per thousand cubic meters.
Putin made the remarks during an assessment of the current energy market situation, addressing journalists. He pointed out that exchange traders are not taking into account the technical condition of storage facilities or actual supply levels.
"They believe it's more profitable today to withdraw natural gas stored at lower purchase prices. Let's see what happens tomorrow. But this will push gas prices not to $1,000, but to $1,500," he said.
The Russian president emphasized that Russia has repeatedly stressed the importance of maintaining existing energy relations. He noted, "We previously supplied natural gas to Europe at $150 or $180 per thousand cubic meters. They told us it was too expensive and insisted on moving toward market pricing. What exactly is market pricing? Our previous prices were linked; now we sell based on oil and petroleum product market prices established through long-term contracts."
Putin also addressed Europe’s stance—insisting on price formation via exchanges. He added, "We told them: natural gas is not a market commodity—at least not in the classical sense—and pursuing this approach will lead nowhere good—you’ll only see prices rise. Fine—go shave yourself: prices are already at $1,000 or euros, and they may go even higher."
Putin further pointed out that exchange-based natural gas prices are not formed by producers. He stated, "In my view, Germany's task is simply to fill its storage facilities to 70%. Just filling to 70%—whether they can actually achieve this remains uncertain. The situation in the Netherlands is even worse."
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1876084780961792/
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