Russia delays natural gas deliveries to Europe citing maintenance issues

• It means crucial natural gas deliveries to Europe will be further delayed as the continent races to store up gas supplies for winter.

The big picture: Gazprom officially cut off supplies Wednesday, claiming it had to work on a compressor station.

• Gas deliveries had already been severely reduced to only 20% of the pipeline's capacity, per AP.
• European officials have cast doubt on the maintenance issues, and have accused Russia of using them to withhold fuel in retaliation over Western sanctions on Moscow over its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.
• Russia has claimed the shutdowns and supply cuts are necessary because of maintenance issues exacerbated by sanctions.

Yes, but: Despite the cut off, natural gas prices plunged 30% this week.

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