[hatch_q]

You're missing the big picture. After Siemens gave Canadian export license that allows Gazprom to "repair" the turbines, there were no more excuses for Gazprom to not respect contractual obligation to provide gas through the pipeline. In short, Gazprom was facing enormous penalties for not providing gas. I am not saying Gazprom did it, but they had a reason and means (using a PIG) to do it.

[mhermher]

Europe is sanctioning the hell out of Russia, and yet Gazprom would pay huge penalties on violating a contract. If anything this story shows why it's unlikely they blew up the pipeline. After that whole legalese theater, they just decided to turn off the tap. As simple as that. And just as simple to refuse to pay any fees.

[cycomanic]

Things are not so easy, just yesterday there was an article about the financial crises caused by a Korean state not honouring their bond promises.

If Gazprom would simply turn off the gas and say f* off to the fines, they would signal to ask buyers that they are willing to disregard contracts for political reasons. This would significantly undermine confidence in doing business with them, and likely lower prices people would pay for their gas.