In 2013, Russia’s natural gas pipeline exports to Eastern and Western Europe averaged 15.6 bcfd, a 16% rise compared with 2012, according to data from the US Energy Information Administration, Eastern Bloc Research, and Russian Energy Monthly. The increase was mainly driven by exports to Western Europe, which rose by 20% to 12.3 bcfd. “The entire increase in Russian natural gas exports to Western Europe in 2013 occurred in three countries—Italy, Germany, and the UK,” EIA said. Italy had the largest increase in gas pipeline imports from Russia in 2013, receiving 2.4 bcfd and reflecting a 1 bcfd increase over 2012. Germany and the UK’s imports from Russia increased in 2013 to 3.9 bcfd and 1.2 bcfd, respectively, 0.7 bcfd and 0.4 bcfd more than in 2012. Italy can receive Russian gas on the Bratstvo (Brotherhood) and Soyuz (Union) pipelines, which pass through Ukraine. Germany can receive Russian […]