Brussels is blaming Russian President Vladimir Putin for causing gas shortages in the EU. As ridiculous as can be, the established media and politicians trumpet EUligarchs’ lie around. But nobody mentions that the Netherlands, once a major provider of gas to Europe, is curbing its production right now.
The Dutch government had decided to shut down the Groningen gas field, for fear of earthquakes, and began to wind it down last year. Earlier this month, Dutch Home Affairs Minister Kajsa Ollongren and Economic Affairs Minister Stef Blok said that the government will not increase natural gas production from the Groningen fields to head off the impact of soaring gas prices. The gas taps will only be turned on again if there are very cold winters, not for price rises, the ministers said.
