OREANDA-NEWS In the first quarter of 2023, for the first time in history, the Czech Republic completely abandoned the use of Russian gas, replacing it with fuel from Norway and from liquefied natural gas (LNG) receiving terminals in the Netherlands and Belgium. This is reported by RIA Novosti with reference to the press service of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the republic.

The head of the department, Josef Sekela, noted that previously the Czech Republic received 97 percent of gas from Russia and he does not know of another country that could get rid of almost complete energy dependence so quickly. According to the minister, the most important role in the process was played by reducing the consumption of this type of fuel.

As of Thursday, April 20, there were 1.66 billion cubic meters of gas in the Czech gas storage facilities of the country, which is 48 percent of their total volume. During the first quarter, gas reserves decreased by 1.28 billion cubic meters.

Earlier, Gazprom admitted that Europe managed to successfully pass the heating season and accumulate a record amount of fuel in storage, even taking into account the radical reduction in supplies from Russia. However, the company warned that the situation may be more difficult next winter if the temperature is lower.

Meanwhile, Morgan Stanley believes that Europe, thanks to improvements in infrastructure over the past year and falling prices, will be able to fully fill gas storage facilities by the end of August. Problems may arise in case of extreme heat and drought, which will increase consumption.