Gas shipments to Europe via the Nord Stream 1 pipeline have been further restricted by the Russian energy giant Gazprom to 20 percent of their maximum capacity.
CNN reports that German network operator Gascade made the announcement on Wednesday after the Russian government-owned energy business had announced on Monday that it would be reducing gas flows while shutting down a turbine for maintenance.
There is no scientific justification for a decrease in deliveries, German Economy Minister Robert Habeck reacted angrily on Monday.
After Russia reduced shipments in reaction to Western sanctions, gas was flowing at 40% of its potential.
Germany is currently working to fill its gas storage facilities as rapidly as possible in order to prevent a gas shortage during the winter.
The German gas and power authority estimates that the facilities are currently filled to around 66 percent of their maximum capacity.
EU energy ministers decided on a voluntary goal on Tuesday to cut back on gas use by 15% from August to March 2023 in order to get ready for the upcoming winter.
Since the start of the week, gas prices have risen by more than 20%.
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