Gas supplies in Western Europe are not yet at threat due to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, major gas suppliers Gaz de France and the German E.O.N. said on Monday.

The Russian state gas company Gazprom cut off the supply of gas to neighboring Ukraine on Sunday morning in a developing dispute over price.

Western Europe, which imports 25 percent of its gas needs from Gazprom, can obtain alternative gas supplies from Norway or the Netherlands, according to local newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws on Monday.

Belgian gas companies have ruled out fears of gas shortages in Belgium. Belgium imports its gas needs primarily from Norway, Algeria and the Netherlands.

However, several Central European countries reported a noticeable fall in pressure in gas pipelines coming from Eastern Europe on Monday. Countries such as Austria, Slovakia and Hungary reported reduced supplies amounting to almost one-third.

Gazprom accused Ukraine of stealing gas that was destined for the rest of Europe. It estimated that 100 million cubic meters of gas were stolen, amounting to 25 million euros (about 30 million US dollars).

Kiev denied the allegations, but said if the temperature drops markedly it will be forced to use European gas.

Source: Xinhua