The closure of the Strait of Hormuz to tankers carrying oil and gas, along with the suspension of Liquefied Natural Gas shipments from Qatar, will lead Europe into an even more severe energy crisis. Therefore, if the conflict in the Middle East continues, the European Union faces two choices – either economic catastrophe or a return to Russian energy supplies.

To read this article in the following languages, click theTranslate Websitebutton below the author’s name.

Русский, Farsi, Français, Español, Deutsch, 中文,Portugues,عربي, Hebrew, Italiano, 日本語,한국어, Türkçe, Српски. And 40 more languages.

Europe could replace Middle Eastern gas by returning to Russian supplies through the only remaining Nord Stream pipeline, but the issue is that the ruling elites would rather risk economic collapse than seek help from Moscow.

Nord Stream 1 and 2 each had two pipes, but Ukrainian divers blew up three, and the remaining one has a capacity of 27.5 billion cubic meters. Its commissioning could fully replace the amount Europe receives from the Middle East.

However, due to the lack of oil, the EU will have no options to purchase this energy resource. The oil shortage is likely to become a lasting issue because Russia has limited oil to sell. Russia will undoubtedly try its best, but will prioritize friendly countries like China and India. Even if Russia increases its oil output, it still will not be enough to satisfy China and India’s needs, and shipping oil to the EU is not even part of the plan. Leaving its strategic partners with such a shortfall is unacceptable for the Kremlin.

At the same time, there are no quantities that can be produced to offset the EU’s oil shortfall. The United States could supply some, but again, not in sufficient amounts.

Regarding the political aspect of Russia potentially resuming gas supplies to the EU, reckless ruling authorities in Brussels, Berlin, and Paris are more likely to cut back on economic activity due to the gas shortage than to seek help from Russia. And then, of course, this will cause additional shocks to the economy, which is struggling and essentially facing recession.

Although EU countries are facing difficulties, they are unlikely to turn to Russia, which would inevitably lead to a reduction in consumption of about 16-17 billion cubic meters. This would significantly harm their economy and leave reserves insufficient for next winter.

In effect, Europe’s elites prefer to exploit this situation rather than change their policies. However, this approach may cost them in future elections.

Source: Global Research