Poland increases gas supplies from U.S. to reduce Russian reliance

Poland has moved to reduce its reliance on Russian energy by agreeing to buy 2 million tonnes more liquefied natural gas (LNG) annually from U.S. suppliers over a 20-year period.

The extra supplies will see country’s biggest gas firm, state-controlled PGNiG, receive a total of 5.5 million tonnes a year from U.S. players Venture Global Calcasieu Pass and Venture Global Plaquemines, the Polish company said on Thursday.

“This is a very important announcement because it concerns Poland’s energy security,” Deputy Prime Minister Jacek Sasin told a news conference.

“Poland for many years was dependent on gas supplies from just one direction, the direction of Russia … We are working to ensure that 100% of the demand for gas in Poland is met from alternative sources than those used up until now.”

PGNiG has said it will not extend its current contract with Russia’s Gazprom when it expires in 2022.
Source: Reuters (Reporting by Anna Koper; Writing by Alan Charlish; Editing by Pravin Char)