Russia weaponisation of natural gas poses economic risks

Russia’s decision to suspend gas deliveries to Poland and Bulgaria from today because of a payments dispute will only strengthen the EU’s resolve to end its dependency on Russian gas, keeping gas prices historically high for months to come. The move also raises the risk of gas shortages in Poland and Bulgaria, especially Bulgaria which is relatively less well prepared. Euro-zone stagflation risks have risen, too. In view of the wider interest, we are also sending this Commodities Update to clients of our Energy, European Economics and Emerging Europe Economics Services .