Gas pipeline shutdown starts amid German suspicion of Russia

By GEIR MOULSON
Associated Press

BERLIN (AP) — A major gas pipeline from Russia to Germany is shutting down for annual maintenance amid German concern that Russia may not resume the flow of gas as scheduled. The Nord Stream 1 pipeline, Germany’s main source of Russian gas, is scheduled to be out of action until July 21 for routine work that the operator says includes “testing of mechanical elements and automation systems.” The operator’s data showed the gas flow dropping as planned on Monday morning. German officials are suspicious about Russia’s intentions, particularly after Russia’s Gazprom last month reduced the gas flow through Nord Stream 1 by 60%.