“Its two pipelines were deactivated from this July 11 to July 21. During this period, a test of mechanical components and automation systems will be carried out to ensure efficient, safe and reliable operation of the pipeline,” Russian gas giant Gazprom stated.

The entity’s communique published on its website refers that since July 1, they have notified that “the schedule and plan of the works were agreed in advance with Nord Stream AG’s partners in gas transportation.”

It also added that until the pipeline works are completed, the only way to provide Russian gas to Western and Central European countries is via a transit pipeline through Ukraine.

However, Gazprom detailed that the Ukrainian side has recently confirmed the demands through this route for only about 40 million cubic meters per day, a figure that in its opinion does not meet the region’s demand.

The Eurasian nation’s state-owned company warned in June that it would be forced to reduce the flow of gas through the Nord Stream pipeline because German company Siemens has not yet returned the technical equipment used to pump the gas, which was under repair.

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