Poland not threatened by Ukraine gas crisis

Poland has enough gas reserves and is not threatened with the shortages that other central European countries are experiencing, says Zbigniew Chlebowski, head of the ruling Civic Platform’s parliamentary party.



Chlebowski told Polish Radio this morning that Poland imports much of its gas via a pipeline from Belarus, so the total shut off of gas from Ukraine has only cut supplies by a total of 16 percent.



Poland’s gas usage has increased by 10 million cubic meters daily due to the recent snap of sub zero temperatures.

A statement by gas monopoly, PGNiG, said that reserves were being drawn on and supply to some industrial clients has been limited. Companies such as oil giant Orlen have experienced around a 14 percent drop in supply.



Eighteen countries are experiencing shortages, some severe. Slovakia declared a state of emergency, Wednesday, and is considering restarting a nuclear power plant to make up for the shortfall in energy.
Source:polskieradio.pl