Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – Europe would be looking for gas supplies from several countries. This is due to the cut off of gas supply to the continent from Russia.

Previously, Russia cut off the flow of gas in the Nord Stream I gas pipeline that goes to Europe. The Kremlin said the gas cut was not a political game for Moscow to fight the blue continent’s stance against its military action in Ukraine, as countries like Germany and Italy have alleged.

Russia said the cuts were due to delays in returning gas turbines after repair to Canada. This return was disrupted by Western sanctions against Moscow for its military offensive in Ukraine.

This was also at the center of discussions between Canada and Ukraine. In a statement to Canadian Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau on Monday (7/18/2022), Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated his country’s position that the turbine should not be returned.

This statement was issued by Zelensky as Canada expressed its intention to return the turbine. Trudeau said this return was still very difficult given the dilemmatic position experienced by Maple Country. In addition, Russia provides 40% of Europe’s gas supply.

“But I have separately stressed that Ukraine will never accept Canada’s decision on the Nord Stream turbine. If there is a violation now, it is only a matter of time before there is. have another,” he said.

To replace this gas supply, European Union (EU) President Ursula von der Leyen visited Baku, Azerbaijan on Monday (18/7/2022) to secure the country’s gas supply led by President Ilham Aliyev.

According to a draft document seen by Reuters on July 14, the EU has offered a deal with Azerbaijan to increase natural gas imports and expand the country’s pipelines.

“Among Russia’s arsenal of sustainable energy supplies, diversifying our energy imports is a priority for the EU,” the EU said on its official Twitter account. “President von der Leyen and (Energy) Commissioner Kadri Samson will be in Azerbaijan tomorrow (Monday) to further strengthen cooperation.”

Besides Azerbaijan, several countries have been approached by the blue continent to secure gas supply, namely the United States, Australia and Qatar. In fact, European energy companies such as Total have increased their investments in the United States and Qatar.

Even so, Total CEO Patrick Pouyanne stressed that the transition of supplies from Russia so far cannot be done quickly. He asked European consumers to save their electricity consumption so that they can use it all the time.

“What consumers can do is turn down the heating in Europe. Currently there is no heating because it’s summer. But my advice, don’t have too much air conditioning either” , he added.

[Gambas:Video CNBC]