Gas Row Sends Shiver Through EU--BBC

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http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/4574264.stm

Last Updated: Monday, 2 January 2006, 02:21 GMT

Gas row sends shiver through EU

Russia's decision to cut gas imports to Ukraine is causing dismay across Europe, where supplies in a number of countries have been disrupted.

The US has also expressed concern, saying the move raised "serious questions about the use of energy to exert political pressure".

Exports to the EU and Ukraine are carried through the same pipes. Russia says Kiev is stealing the EU's gas.

State-run firm Gazprom cut supplies on Sunday in a dispute over prices.

Politically charged

Russia said it had no choice but to act after Ukraine refused to sign a new deal accepting an immediate increase in gas prices from $50 to $230 per 1,000 cubic metres. The average EU charge is $240.

Russia supplies 30% of Ukraine's gas, and about 25% of Western Europe's needs. Hungary, Poland and Austria have reported a fall in supplies. EU Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs said the crisis was causing concern.

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