Moscow/New Delhi: Vladimir Putin says it may be more profitable for Russia to stop supplying gas to Europe markets and redirect exports to emerging buyers, according to remarks reported on March 4, 2026.
Speaking to Russian state television, Putin suggests that Moscow could halt European gas shipments immediately rather than wait for the phased restrictions planned by the European Union. He frames the idea as a commercial strategy, saying Russia could focus on “more promising” energy markets that are opening up.
Putin stresses the statement is not a final decision but a preliminary thought, adding that the government and energy companies should review the potential shift.
The comments emerge amid volatile global energy markets, with gas prices climbing due to geopolitical tensions and supply uncertainties. Analysts say Russia’s remaining pipeline gas exports to Europe are already limited, meaning a complete cutoff would likely have more psychological and price-impact effects than immediate physical disruption.
The EU has been gradually reducing dependence on Russian energy, targeting LNG imports phase-out by 2026 and pipeline gas exit by around 2027, while expanding alternative supplies from the Middle East and the United States. Meanwhile, Russia continues accelerating its energy pivot toward Asian markets.
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