Europe had to use gas reserves, which were created at the peak of the coming winter season, due to reduced supplies of blue fuel from Russia, Bloomberg reported.

According to the agency, the decline in supplies affected Germany, France, Italy and Austria. This is due to Gazprom's decision to suspend operation of Siemens gas turbines due to repair problems.

Stocks in Europe's underground gas storage have dropped for the first time since mid-April. As of 14 June, they were 52% full. According to the latest data, reserves are down 1%, although gas is usually only pumped in the summer and the resulting volumes are stored until the peak of the winter season.

Wood Mackenzie Ltd. has given a pessimistic forecast that if Nord Stream stops completely, Europe will not be able to reach the level of gas reserves set by the European Union by the start of the heating season. If that happens, Europe's fuel reserves will be exhausted by January.