We are no longer dependent on Russian gas, "and that's a good thing"– Austrian energy minister

Amid the suspension of Russian gas supplies via Ukraine, Leonore Gewessler, Austria's Minister for Climate and Energy, has announced that her country is no longer reliant on Russian gas, adding, "and that’s a good thing".

Source: the ministry's press office on 1 January, citing Gewessler, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The transit of Russian gas through Ukraine was halted on the night of 31 December 2024-1 January 2025, following the expiration of the transit contract.  

Austria’s Energy Ministry emphasised that this decision had been announced well in advance. To ensure a continuous and reliable gas supply, market participants turned to alternative sources, successfully compensating for the loss of Russian gas and securing supply stability.  

Quote: "Ukraine made it clear early on that it would not renew the transit contract with the aggressor state, Russia. We prepared thoroughly for this scenario and were ready," said Gewessler.  

"Domestic energy companies shifted to alternative, non-Russian suppliers. OMV, for instance, ended its long-standing cooperation with Russia’s Gazprom. Austria is no longer reliant on Russian gas – and that’s a positive step," Gewessler added. 

Background:

• The Slovak government stated that the country was well prepared for the cessation of the Russian gas supplies it had been receiving in transit through Ukraine.
• However, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said in his New Year’s address that the cessation of Russian gas transit through Ukraine would have significant repercussions for European Union member states, though not for Russia.  
• In contrast, Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski welcomed Ukraine’s decision to suspend Russian gas transit on 1 January. 

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