Mystery gas leaks hit Russia pipelines to Europe

STORY: Three offshore lines within the Nord Stream gas pipeline system sustained “unprecedented” damage in one day.

That was according to pipeline operators on Tuesday (September 27).

Nord Stream 1 and 2 run from Russia to Germany under the Baltic Sea, near Sweden and Denmark.

Denmark restricted shipping near Nord Stream 2 following the discovery of a leak.

Shortly after, Sweden’s Maritime Authority issued a warning of two leaks in Nord Stream 1.

The pipeline operator said it was impossible to estimate when the system would be restored to full working capability.

It has been a flashpoint in the escalating energy war between Europe and Moscow since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine – which has sent gas prices soaring.

While neither pipeline was pumping supplies to Europe at the time of the latest incidents, both contained gas under pressure.

Nord Stream 1 started supplying gas from Russia to Germany in 2011 – but flows were halted entirely at the end of August.

Nord Stream 2 was built in 2021, but Germany halted its launch days before Moscow invaded Ukraine on February 24.

Giant Russian gas supplier Gazprom declined to comment on the latest incidents.

The Kremlin said sabotage could not be ruled out.