Austria to cut off Russian gas imports by 2028, Kleine Zeitung reports

Austrian Energy Minister Leonore Gewessler’s legislative proposals, if approved by the National Council, are poised to markedly decrease Vienna’s reliance on Russian gas by 2024-2025, with complete cessation of imports anticipated by 2027-2028, the country’s largest regional newspaper Kleine Zeitung wrote on April 13.

The proposals include amendments to the Gas Industry Act, the Gas Diversification Act and the Energy Steering Act that would require Austrian gas suppliers to gradually increase the share of non-Russian natural gas in their imports, starting with 40% in the first year and eventually reaching 100% by 2027-2028.

This move is in line with the broader agreement among EU countries to cut off Russian gas by 2027.  Up to 98% of Austria’s gas imports came from Russia last December, 97% in January, and 87% in February.

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Vienna’s decision to reduce its dependence on Russian gas comes in response to Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, and the country is actively seeking alternative suppliers to ensure energy security.

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