Uk faces winter gas shortages after putin sanctions

Following the invasion of Ukraine, British officials congratulated themselves over the country’s low dependence on Russian oil in comparison to that of its neighbours on the Continent. But

new fears suggest supplies could be impacted, even if indirectly, especially through the next winter. Energy giant TotalEnergies announced this week it is splitting its ties with Russian oil

“given the worsening situation in Ukraine and the existence of alternative sources of supply for Europe”. It will stop purchasing Russian oil and oil produces by the end of 2022 “at the

latest”. But gas is a different story, with “Europe’s fas logistics capacities [making] it difficult to do without Russian gas in the next two to three years”. The company said it could not

split its gas ties “without affecting the continent’s energy supply”. Amid growing pressure on all businesses with any Russia links to end their relationships in a bid to hurt Moscow,

TotalEnergies warned doing so with gas could lead to winter shortages and even rationing. TotalEnergies is French but any such shortages could have a major knock on effect in the UK given

the company’s heavy links to UK businesses. After starting operating the UK in the 1960s, TotalEnergies is now the second largest provider of gas by volume to businesses across the country.

Total's Chief Executive Patrick Pouyanné told RTL radio this week cutting all links with Russia now would be greatly damaging for the West. READ MORE: BREXIT LIVE: BORIS HIT WITH MAJOR

BIDEN TRADE DEAL SNUB It is, however, far from the first. Foreign Secretary Liz Truss warned at the end of last month piling pressure on Moscow will have its impacts in the UK too. She said:

“The UK and our allies will have to undergo some economic hardship as a result of our sanctions. “But our hardships are nothing compared to those endured by the people of Ukraine.” The EU

has also been moved to loosen its state aid rules for companies affected by sanctions on Russia. It announced companies can receive up to 400,000 euros (£333,000) in support.