In the event of an operating license for the controversial Baltic Sea pipeline Nord Stream 2, Russia's head of state Vladimir Putin has assured rapid delivery of gas.
It could start the next day, said the president on Thursday at a discussion forum in the city of Sochi on the Black Sea.
The filling of the second line with gas will be completed in mid to late December.
Sochi - The first tube has already been filled with gas.
The Federal Network Agency has until the beginning of January to decide on an operating permit for the pipes, which are supposed to deliver up to 55 billion cubic meters of natural gas from Russia to Germany annually.
This is not a project of the Russian energy giant Gazprom, five European companies are involved, Putin said.
In view of the gas crisis in Europe, he had recently advertised several times for Nord Stream 2 to be launched quickly.
Gas prices have reached record levels in Europe.
Gazprom's critics suspect that the company is not reacting to the increased European demand in order to force the rapid commissioning of Pipeline 2.
The Russian side had denied such allegations.
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Nord Stream 2 filled with gas for the first time: pending operation
For the first time, gas has been filled into the controversial Nord Stream 2 Baltic Sea pipeline.
However, the actual gas transport is still pending.
Will it lead to lower prices in the gas market?
Nord Stream 2 filled with gas for the first time: pending operation
Nord Stream 2 filled with gas for the first time
For the first time, gas has been filled into the controversial Nord Stream 2 Baltic Sea pipeline.
However, the actual gas transport is still pending.
Will it lead to lower prices in the gas market?
Nord Stream 2 filled with gas for the first time
Controversial project: Nord Stream 2 filled with gas for the first time
The controversial Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline could soon be commissioned.
On Monday, gas was filled into a string for the first time.
Controversial project: Nord Stream 2 filled with gas for the first time
Russia could supply the European market with more gas, Putin said.
“Yes, it is possible.” He once again blamed the EU for the high prices.
Gas, which Gazprom supplies under long-term contracts, is four times cheaper than on the spot market.
dpa