Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak urged policy makers not to allow the diplomatic dispute to seep into the commercial relationship between his country and Europe, which last month consumed a record amount of Russian natural gas.
"Should the statements become a reality regarding alternative sources for gas instead of Russia, that will damage first and foremost the consumers,” Novak told Bloomberg TV. "Should any company or country opt for another supplier, I don’t think that condition will be that preferential and beneficial for them."
Russia supplies by pipeline about a third of the gas consumed in Europe and sent cargoes of liquefied natural gas to Britain at critical moments this year. It was able to step up supplies during cold snaps in the past few weeks. UK Prime Minister Theresa May said she wants to find alternatives for Russian gas.
