EU on a mission to get more gas from partners

In demand: A tanker loads its cargo of liquefied natural gas from the port of Prigorodnoye in Russia. Europe’s natural gas woes are far from over as prices are high. — AP

BRUSSELS: The European Union’s (EU) executive arm is testing the waters to see if its trading partners, including the United States, could boost natural gas supplies to the region amid limited shipments from Russia and rising geopolitical risks, according to the bloc’s energy chief.

While the EU has a robust gas infrastructure and clear procedures in case of emergencies, it needs to remain “extremely vigilant” and improve its risk-preparedness, Energy commissioner Kadri Simson said after a meeting with ministers from member states on Saturday.