31 Mar, 15:51

Gas withdrawals from Europe’s UGS exceed historical average in March

The previous gas withdrawal season in European underground storage facilities concluded on March 31, 2024, with reserves at 58.44% capacity

MOSCOW, March 31. /TASS/. Gas withdrawals from Europe’s underground storage (UGS) facilities have once again fallen below the level of injections. However, by the end of the week, the region may experience a cold snap, according to data from Gas Infrastructure Europe (GIE). The pace of withdrawals in March is 28% higher than last year’s figures and exceeds the historical average recorded since observations began in 2011.

According to GIE data, gas withdrawals from EU UGS amounted to 93 mln cubic meters on March 29, while injections increased to 173 mln cubic meters. Due to the high rate of gas consumption during the heating season, the total volume of gas stored in UGS currently ranks as only the sixth highest for March in recorded history, standing at 37.3 bln cubic meters.

The previous gas withdrawal season in European underground storage facilities concluded on March 31, 2024, with reserves at 58.44% capacity - an all-time record. At present, Europe’s UGS facilities are filled to 33.69%, which is 11.43 percentage points lower than the five-year average for this date. In relative terms, storage levels are now not only below the end of the last autumn-winter season but also lower than at the conclusion of the 2010-2011, 2011-2012, 2013-2014, 2015-2016, 2018-2019, 2019-2020, and 2022-2023 heating seasons.

The heating season in Europe began on October 29, 2024 - 10 days earlier than in the previous autumn-winter period. Since then, EU countries have withdrawn approximately 74.5 bln cubic meters of gas from storage, with net withdrawals amounting to around 68.5 bln cubic meters.

This week in Europe is expected to remain relatively warm, though cooler temperatures may set in over the central part of the region by the weekend. The share of wind power generation in the EU’s electricity generation averaged 13% in February and 17% in March. The average purchase price of gas in Europe was approximately $542 per 1,000 cubic meters in February of this year and around $468 in March.

LNG deliveries from terminals into Europe’s gas transmission system are reaching record levels for this month. Currently, regasification and subsequent injection capacities for liquefied natural gas into European pipelines are operating at 52% of their maximum capacity.

OPEC+ Monitoring Committee to discuss oil market situation at online meeting

Оn April 3, eight OPEC+ countries that have committed to voluntarily reducing oil production by 2.2 mln barrels per day starting in 2024 held an online meeting

Yesterday, 10:18

Russia, US trade relations virtually nonexistent — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov added that Moscow is unlikely to experience any positive effects from the US tariffs, as the turmoil in the global economy will require careful actions from Russia

Yesterday, 03:18

Russian economy doing well amid sanctions, so Moscow doesn’t seek their removal — envoy

If you look at our GDP growth, it’s still 4% last year versus 1% for Europe, Kirill Dmitriev said

Yesterday, 13:54

China’s Ministry of Commerce adds eleven US companies to unreliable entities list

Restrictions were introduced "for protection of national sovereignty, security and interests of development"

Yesterday, 16:39

Top Hungarian diplomat doubts NATO’s ability to send peacekeepers to Ukraine

Peter Szijjaro added that Moscow opposed the deployment of peacekeepers from NATO countries to Ukraine, so attempts to send such forces to the country could lead to a direct conflict between the North Atlantic Alliance and Russia

Yesterday, 15:43

Ukrainian lawmaker admits US intel crucial for strikes using Western missiles

US President Donald Trump ordered a halt to all military aid to Ukraine a few days after his verbal spat with Vladimir Zelensky at the White House on February 28

Yesterday, 20:48

Analyst describes US idea of dividing Russia, China as ‘deeply flawed’

The Washington Post columnist also believes that hopes of rapprochement with Russia and Russia drifting away from China "might be illusory"

Yesterday, 14:13

Trump claims China makes mistake following Beijing’s announcement of tariffs on US goods

The Tariff Commission of the State Council announced earlier that Chinese authorities would impose additional tariffs of 34% on all products imported from the United States

Yesterday, 03:22

Russia ready to help Burkina Faso maintain national security — Lavrov

The statement followed a meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Burkina Faso counterpart Karamoko Jean-Marie Traore

Yesterday, 01:54

Russian envoy says Trump administration averted World War III

US President Donald Trump’s administration also made significant progress in resolving the conflict in Ukraine, Kirill Dmitriev said

Yesterday, 10:47

IN BRIEF: What we know about terror plot against military cadets foiled by Russia’s FSB

A terrorist attack targeting the Russian Defense Ministry’s barracks outside Moscow, that was conspired by the Ukrainian special services, has been foiled

Yesterday, 09:21

Putin's external governance plan in Ukraine mirrors Trump's plan — opposition politician

Viktor Medvedchuk emphasized that Trump's team must first grasp the dire situation in Ukraine

Yesterday, 13:28

Russian troops liberate eight communities in Ukraine operation over week

Battlegroup Dnepr units liberated the settlements of Shcherbaki and Lobkovoye in the Zaporozhye Region through active operations

Yesterday, 17:09

Russian army foils Ukrainian forces’ attempts to restart Nikolayev port — Kherson governor

Vladimir Saldo said that military is currently monitoring not only the territory of the Kherson Region but also the approach routes

Yesterday, 15:49

Pentagon says operation against Houthis to cost US $1 bln per month — media

On March 15, US President Donald Trump authorized military action against the Houthis, who control about one-third of Yemen’s territory

Two days ago, 10:12

Russia unsurprised by Trump's threats to impose duties on Russian oil — Ryabkov

The minister stated that even during Trump's first term, Russia "noted and remembered" the distinct patterns of US behavior when desired results were not quickly achieved

Yesterday, 10:00

Press review: Putin’s envoy holds talks with Trump's team as experts analyze tariff impact

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, April 4th

Yesterday, 21:41

Crew Dragon spacecraft with Fram2 mission crew return to Earth

The ship splashed down off the coast of California

Yesterday, 12:27

Kremlin calls for restraint on Iranian nuclear dossier

Dmitry Peskov pointed out that despite the fact that Russia is now engaged in restoring relations with the US, Iran remains its ally and partner

Yesterday, 11:35

Ukraine suffers heavy losses attempting to break into Belgorod Region — commander

According to Lieutenant-General Apty Alaudinov, everything is under control now, and these areas are being cleared

Yesterday, 18:30

Senior diplomat, Russian envoys in Europe call West out for 'short-sighted' rhetoric

The meeting in Vienna focused on the tasks of the Russian diplomatic and consular missions in implementing Russia's Foreign Policy Concept, approved by the President of the Russian Federation on March 31, 2023

Yesterday, 23:53

Ovechkin scores again, now just one away from Gretzky

Ovechkin is now second in NHL history with 893 goals

Battlegroup West destroys over 230 Ukrainian military personnel in one day

In addition, during the counter-battery battle, five artillery pieces, including Western-made ones, and eight mortar crews of the Ukrainian armed forces were destroyed

Yesterday, 20:20

Trump signs order allowing TikTok to continue operating in US for another 75 days

The American leader also said that the United States should have a 50% stake in TikTok

Two days ago, 18:53

Russia capable of rapid military personnel expansion — Pentagon

Cavoli is also head of the European Command of the US army

Kiev forces lost up to 325 servicemen in area of responsibility of Battlegroup South

As a result of decisive actions, units of the Battlegroup South Forces liberated the settlement of Rozovka

Yesterday, 11:10

Russia lodges protest with Moldovan ambassador over expulsion of three diplomats

The Russian Foreign Ministry emphasized that "the embassy of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Moldova operates in strict accordance with the provisions of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961"

Two days ago, 12:37

Russian units wipe out up to 100 Ukrainian troops while mopping up Veseloye in DPR

The ministry stressed that MLRS and assault drone crews in coordination with unmanned aerial vehicle operators eliminated firing positions and stationing areas of Ukrainian troops

Yesterday, 18:26

Bank of Russia lowers official dollar rate to 84.28 rubles for April 5-7

The official euro rate was reduced by 18 kopecks to 92.9855 rubles

Yesterday, 19:07

Rubio presses Europe to come up with 'concrete proposals' to ensure Ukraine's security

US President Donald Trump said earlier that Europe must bear the burden of responsibility for ensuring its own security

Yesterday, 15:56

Almost half of French people want Marine Le Pen on presidential ballot

According to the poll’s results, the court ruling banning Marine Le Pen from running in the next presidential election affected voter expectations

Yesterday, 15:59

Illusion of selfless US-EU friendship gone with tariffs — Russian legislator

Vladimir Dzhabarov noted that the prospect of a trade war with the US lacks support from leaders such as Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, as well as those from Ireland, Sweden, and other countries

Yesterday, 17:28

UN believes nobody can win trade war — spokesperson

The starting trade war will adversely affect implementation of Sustainable Development Goals, Stephane Dujarric added

Two days ago, 10:43

Europeans set sights on Odessa, Lvov, plotting intervention, says Russian diplomat

Maria Zakharova reiterated that the French-UK initiative on deploying some "reassurance forces" to Ukraine was discussed in Paris on March 27 at yet another European summit of a so-called "coalition of the willing" formed a month ago in order to assemble some "peacekeeping" contingent to be deployed in Ukraine

Yesterday, 15:08

Armenian president signs law launching EU accession process

On March 26, Armenian legislators passed the second and final reading of the law on setting the country’s EU accession process into motion

Yesterday, 17:19

Russian troops thwart Ukraine’s military logistics’ plans in Zaporozhye

Russia’s Defense Ministry reported earlier on Friday that Russian troops liberated eight communities in the Donetsk area and the Zaporozhye Region over the week of March 29 - April 4

Venezuela will overcome difficulties of global trade war declared by the US — Maduro

He believes that Trump has taken tariff and tax measures against countries that could "deprive humanity and Venezuela of the right to the future"

Yesterday, 20:51

Magnitude 7.2 earthquake strikes off Papua New Guinea’s coast

There were no reports of casualties or damage

Trump confident that big business representatives are not worried about duties

The US President is confident that big businessmen are focused on big deals that will strengthen the American economy

OPEC+ Monitoring Committee to discuss oil market situation at online meeting

Оn April 3, eight OPEC+ countries that have committed to voluntarily reducing oil production by 2.2 mln barrels per day starting in 2024 held an online meeting

Two days ago, 14:12

Trump declares state of emergency in the US due to economic situation — White House

As the document notes, "large and persistent annual U.S. goods trade deficits have led to the hollowing out of our manufacturing base; resulted in a lack of incentive to increase advanced domestic manufacturing capacity; undermined critical supply chains; and rendered our defense-industrial base dependent on foreign adversaries"

Yesterday, 14:55

Sony turns small profit in Russia for first time since 2021

In March 2022, Sony suspended supplies of gaming consoles, accessories and games to Russia, as well as the operation of its Playstation Store

Yesterday, 15:51

Turkey does not need US to attack Iran — top diplomat

Hakan Fidan called for "peaceful negotiations employed by both sides and interested parties"

Yesterday, 15:58

Trump's tariffs could give Russian economy shot in the arm — Putin’s special envoy

According to Boris Titov, many countries faced with protective duties could start injecting money into Russian industries

Yesterday, 13:59

US to prevent China from gaining influence over Greenland — Rubio

The US Secretary of State emphasized that Washington respects Greenland’s right to self-determination

Yesterday, 18:31

Russia’s export duty on wheat to be $24.04 per metric ton from April 9

The export duty rate for wheat and meslin is calculated based on an indicative price of $247.4 per metric ton

Yesterday, 18:32

Sahel countries intend to cooperate with Russia in nuclear energy — portal

The report noted that the Alliance of Sahel States and Russia also intend to strengthen cooperation in economics, nuclear energy, higher education, transport, trade, telecommunications

Two days ago, 23:21

Trump expresses confidence that Putin, Zelensky ready for deal on Ukraine

US President said a lot of progress had been made in discussing a settlement in Ukraine

Yesterday, 21:35

Ukraine loses up to 85 service members, foreign military officers in strike on Krivoy Rog

The enemy had also lost up to 20 motor vehicle

Yesterday, 09:12

Iran must not become a nuclear state, Israel’s top diplomat insists

On the likelihood of reaching a new nuclear deal with Iran, Sa’ar said that the political situation globally has changed, with a "tougher president" in the White House and Iran, too, having a new head of state

Two days ago, 22:01

Dmitriev says 'three steps forward' made following meetings in Washington

According to Russian Direct Investment Fund CEO and special presidential envoy, the issues have been piling up: for three years, there was virtually no communication between Russia and the United States

Yesterday, 15:32

Kiev carries out 7 strikes on energy facilities in Zaporozhye Region during moratorium

"The attacks involved both drone strikes and targeted fire by the enemy's artillery," Vladimir Rogov said

Yesterday, 10:16

Russia’s economic growth is currently approaching 'zero' — expert

Alexander Shokhin emphasized that the current issue is finding a balance between rising inflation and the need to avoid overheating the Russian economy

Yesterday, 16:30

Nearly half of states attending UNHRC session oppose anti-Russian resolution

The ten-page document uses assessments and narratives typical of the states on Russia's list of unfriendly states

Yesterday, 18:42

Russian stock market indices falling on Friday — market data

The MOEX Russia Index lost 2.71% to 2,781.97 points, while the RTS Index edged down by 2.59% to 1,039.88 points

Yesterday, 18:43

Hamas keeps half of living hostages in combat zone — official

The Hamas official demanded the Israeli authorities "immediately engage in talks on the release or evacuation" of the hostages

Yesterday, 13:08

Top diplomat reveals what could make US reevaluate approach to Ukraine settlement

"President Trump is not going to fall into the trap of endless negotiations about negotiations," Marco Rubio stressed

Netanyahu plans to meet with Trump in Washington on Monday — portal

According to the Axios portal, the parties will discuss import duties imposed by the US, Iran's nuclear program and the situation in the Gaza Strip

Battlegroup Dnepr destroys up to 55 soldiers, 2 ammunition depots of Ukrainian forces

Units of the Battlegroup Dnepr defeated units of the mechanized, mountain assault brigades and two coastal defense brigades of the Ukrainian armed forces, a defense brigade

Yesterday, 20:25

Russian representatives discuss Kiev’s attacks on journalists at meeting with UN chief

Moscow’s First Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Dmitry Polyansky noted that the Secretary General "listened very carefully to the information"

Yesterday, 15:27

Russia’s state arms exporter ready to arm Sahel countries to fight piracy — company chief

"Rosoboronexport offers African partners the products most essential for outfitting the armed forces and other law-enforcement agencies," Alexander Mikheyev said

Yesterday, 07:12

Kremlin says no signals yet from Europe about willingness for dialogue or talks with Putin

Earlier, the "coalition of the willing" agreed that at least one European leader should speak to Russia

Two days ago, 15:59

EU is 'sinking ship' — Russian Foreign Ministry

Maria Zakharova cited US President Donald Trump's recently announced tariffs as further evidence that the EU's previously projected GDP growth targets would miss their mark

Yesterday, 12:20

China’s Ministry of Commerce adds 16 US companies to export control list

Trade with the listed companies is prohibited without obtaining special authorization from the Chinese government

Yesterday, 16:26

Markets are adapting to US duties, Secretary of State says

On April 2, US President Donald Trump announced customs duties on products from 185 countries and territories

Yesterday, 17:33

Ukrainian elections, necessary for legitimacy of peace agreements, won’t be democratic

Parliamentary and presidential elections are not held in Ukraine due to martial law

Yesterday, 21:48

Russia shoots down Ukrainian Baba Yaga UAV in Kherson Region

During the inspection, sappers found 36 self-made pressure mines in one of the two compartments, each of which was carefully camouflaged with dry grass

Yesterday, 12:57

Russia wins industrial war, leaving Europe in the dust, British report shows

Meanwhile, Europe lacked a coherent strategy or understanding regarding its supply chains

Yesterday, 17:29

Russia supplied 100,000 tons of oil to Cuba on February 19 — deputy PM

Dmitry Chernyshenko said that Russia will continue providing Cuba with economic support and humanitarian aid along bilateral channels

Ovechkin ties Gretzky's all-time NHL goals record

Now Ovechkin and Gretzky have 894 goals each in the regular championships

Yesterday, 20:51

US stock indexes nosedive as China strikes back with tariffs

The Wall Street Journal writes that over the past two days, since the introduction by US President Donald Trump of new customs duties, the American stock market has lost $6.4 trillion

Yesterday, 03:26

South Korea’s Constitutional Court upholds president’s impeachment

Two days ago, 15:38

Russia replaces equipment at unprecedented pace, builds up forces — NATO defense official

According to Cavoli’s estimantes, the Russian Armed Forces are "today larger than it was at the beginning" of the special military operation

Yesterday, 22:34

Macron ready to become Europe’s point man to hold talks with Russia — newspaper

According to the source, the French leader is said to be willing to take up the leadership role "when the time is right"

Two days ago, 12:28

Europe must make contact with Putin — Stubb

The Finnish president opined that France or UK should be the one to speak to the Russian leader

Yesterday, 18:26

Confirmed SPIEF participants above last-year record — director

The interest in taking part in SPIEF is driven by equal opportunities provided by the forum to all the participants, Alexey Valkov said

Yesterday, 19:44

International exchanges falling on Friday

This is the greatest dip of the index during a single trading day over five years, Sky News television said

Houthis claim they destroyed a reconnaissance drone used by US and Israel

We are talking about the Giant Shark F360 drone

Yesterday, 15:02

US residents color potatoes for Easter as eggs too expensive — media

Although wholesale prices began to fall sharply in March, experts note that it may take time for retail prices to normalize

Yesterday, 16:15

Dmitriev's visit to US shows no venom in Trump's harsh Russia talk — expert

Sergey Oznobishchev commented on Donald Trump's recent sharp remarks, particularly the US leader's assertion that Moscow's statements regarding the Ukrainian settlement were not constructive

Yesterday, 20:21

Russia prevents Ukrainian army rotation in Kherson — governor

Vladimir Saldo noted that the Ukrainian armed groups on the right bank of the Dnieper River are mainly deployed around Kherson.

Kiev forces lost up to 430 personnel in Battlegroup Center’s zone of responsibility

The Battlegroup Center continues to advance deep into the enemy's defenses and liberated the settlement of Uspenovka of the Donetsk People's Republic

Yesterday, 14:19

Russia plans to maintain second place in global gold production in coming years

Gold production data in Russia has not been officially disclosed since 2022

Yesterday, 17:10

Scale of displacement in West Bank unprecedented since 1967 war — UN agency

UNRWA pointed out that it "works with partners to provide urgent humanitarian aid and psychosocial support to displaced families"

Yesterday, 17:48

US hopes Russia serious about resolving conflict in Ukraine — Rubio

According to the US Secretary of State, the Trump administration remains optimistic that a peace deal can be reached, but understands that the negotiation process will be difficult

Two days ago, 20:01

Trump expects $6-7 trillion in investment to come to US after new tariffs take effect

US stocks started the day in the red, with the key indexes falling by 2.9-4.6%

Yesterday, 19:10

US expects Kiev’s delegation to visit next week to discuss minerals deal — Treasury chief

The first version of the deal was not signed because of a verbal spat between Vladimir Zelensky and US President Donald Trump at the White House on February 28

15 May 2019, 17:41

Putin says 76 Su-57 jets to be purchased before 2028

The President recalled that the industry is focusing on developing modern aviation equipment, which determines the combat capabilities of the Russian Air forces for the decade to come

Yesterday, 22:22

Houthis say they carried out a drone strike on a ‘military target’ near Tel Aviv

Yemeni Armed Forces Conduct Operation in Jaffa Area

Battlegroup North destroys up to 80 servicemen of Ukrainian armed forces in one day

The enemy suffered losses in the areas of the settlements of Krasnopolye, Malaya Rybitsa and Miropolskoye in the Sumy region

Press review: Ukraine gets ready to host foreign troops as US prepares for trade war

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, April 2nd

Yesterday, 15:13

Rubio says unaware of proposal to resume flights between US, Russia

On February 27, the Russian delegation proposed to restore direct flights between the two countries at talks with the United States in Istanbul

Yesterday, 16:47

Ukraine twice attacks fire station in Donetsk's Gorlovka with drones

According to the report, the Ukrainian military deliberately attacked the rescue units of the Russian Emergencies Ministry

Yesterday, 16:07

Ukrainian attacks on Russian civilians prove peace not on Kiev's radar — MFA

Maria Zakharova emphasized that "by deliberately attacking the Russian border area, the Ukrainian Nazis want to kill as many Russians as possible, intimidate and sow panic among Russians"

Yesterday, 08:50

Western Europe hates Trump, develops war strategy for Ukraine — Hungarian PM

Viktor Orban believes that Western European leaders "despise Trump and won’t be disappointed if his efforts fail"

Yesterday, 12:18

Sahel countries to gain strength by acquiring latest equipment from Russia

According to the statement, the Russian side expressed its readiness to offer the necessary technical assistance

Yesterday, 16:02

US intends to increase military spending to 5% of GDP — Rubio

The US Secretary of State also stressed that the US administration is not demanding that NATO allies immediately increase military spending, but wants them to aim for the same level

Yesterday, 21:44

Residents of Zaporozhye, Gulyaipole await liberation, Russia conducts targeted attacks

Vladimir Rogov, chairman of the sovereignty, patriotic projects and support for veterans commission of Russia’s Civic Chamber, said, that the Russian Armed Forces are conducting targeted attacks

Yesterday, 07:28

IN BRIEF: What we know about last night’s Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian regions

Air defense forces on duty intercepted and eliminated 107 Ukrainian fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) over 10 Russian regions, according to the Defense Ministry

Yesterday, 13:13

Lavrov, Vatican foreign affairs secretary discuss Ukraine — Russian MFA

Sergey Lavrov expressed gratitude to the Holy See for its assistance in resolving humanitarian issues, including the exchange of prisoners, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement

Ovechkin sets record for number of game-winning goals in NHL regular seasons

Ovechkin now has 136 game-winning goals