The European Union is talking to the United States and other suppliers about boosting gas deliveries to Europe amid concern over supply from Russia, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said.

“We are building a partnership for energy security with the United States, which is primarily about more LNG gas supplies. We are talking to other gas suppliers, for example, Norway, about increasing their supplies to Europe,” von der Leyen told a conference organised by German media Der Tagesspiegel, Die Zeit, Handelsblatt and Wirtschaftswoche on Monday.

Escalating tensions between the West and Moscow over Ukraine have raised concerns about Russian gas supplies to Europe. Prices have soared to record levels in recent months.

Gas storage in Europe is about 10 percent less than usual at this time of year. " Gazprom has said it is fulfilling all long-term contracts, but has been accused by EU officials and the International Energy Agency of contributing to an undersupply to Europe amid the standoff over Ukraine."

Von der Leyen said it was "strange" that Gazprom was not interested in increasing gas supplies to Europe despite record high prices and huge demand. “There are increasing signs that the Kremlin is continuing to use gas supplies as a means of exerting political pressure,” she said.

Russia supplies about 40 percent of the EU's gas. The potential impact on that supply if Russia invades Ukraine has prompted the EU to increase supplies from other countries.

Senior EU and US officials will meet Monday in Washington for talks on liquefied natural gas. EU talks are also continuing with major gas producer Qatar, and EU energy chief Kadri Simson visited Azerbaijan last week.

The EU said its storage infrastructure and ability to import more LNG should protect countries from major shocks, although analysts say a complete halt to supplies from Russia would also require emergency measures such as plant closures.

Von der Leyen said gas prices could remain high. Most EU countries have introduced tax breaks, subsidies and other measures to shield consumers from higher bills in response to the recent price spike. “It cannot be ruled out that gas prices could remain at a high level for a while,” she concluded.