Die Zeit51 minutes agoBusiness2 min readGermany

Russian gas: It has never been cheap

Quick Look

The article refutes the AfD and BSW's claim that Russian gas is a cheap solution to the energy crisis by debunking three myths: Russian gas was never cheap, became a political bargaining chip under Putin and comes from distant fields.
Instead, Germany today sources gas primarily from Norway, the Netherlands and Belgium, while LNG only plays a minor role.
Russia is no longer needed, fossil energy remains expensive and consumption is becoming cheaper through photovoltaics, storage and heat pumps.

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Why It Matters

Since the Russian attack on Ukraine in February 2022, Germany has faced a worsening energy crisis as it was previously heavily dependent on Russian gas. The AfD and BSW propose returning to Russian gas and oil to alleviate the crisis, although the war itself is a major trigger of the crisis.

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Z+ (subscription content); Russian gas: It has never been cheap

The AfD and BSW like to rave about a return to Russian gas and oil. Three arguments are popular. But they are all wrong.

From the column: Five to eight

Article summary

Russia's energy promises fall apart upon closer inspection. The article describes how the AfD and BSW present Russian oil and gas as a way out of the energy crisis that has worsened since 2022, even though Russia's war against Ukraine helped trigger the crisis. He then debunks three myths: Russian gas was never cheap, became a political lever under Putin and comes from distant fields. He then shows that Germany today sources gas primarily from Norway, the Netherlands and Belgium and that LNG only plays a minor role. In the end, the text concludes that Russia is no longer needed, fossil energy remains expensive and consumption is becoming cheaper through photovoltaics, storage and heat pumps.

This summary was created using artificial intelligence. Occasionally errors may occur.

In the global energy crisis that has been going on for five years, politicians from the AfD and BSW are touting a seemingly easy way out: Russia. Whether Beatrice von Storch or Leif-Erik Holm, Sahra Wagenknecht or Klaus Ernst, they all claim that Russian gas and oil can turn back time. What they actually do: They sell the problem as a solution. The modern world energy crisis began with Russia encircling and invading Ukraine and was further exacerbated this year by Trump's war on Iran. Prices have been rising since 2022 and there is no end in sight.

Automatic summary

These questions were created using artificial intelligence based on the article text. Occasionally errors may occur.

The article answers these questions:

According to the article, why isn't Russian gas a cheap solution to the energy crisis?

What has Germany now replaced Russian gas deliveries with?

What to Watch

AI outlook — possibilities, not facts

Germany will further reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and accelerate the expansion of renewable energies.
Likely · Within months

Open Questions

How high are the current gas prices in Germany compared to before 2022?
What specific steps is the federal government planning to accelerate the expansion of photovoltaics, storage and heat pumps?
How do energy experts assess the long-term availability and costs of LNG as an interim solution?