West 'Hushes' Energy Deficit in Europe, Blames Russia for All Crises

© AFP 2023 THOMAS COEX the price of oil increased in all Europe
 the price of oil increased in all Europe - Sputnik Africa, 1920, 27.09.2023
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VIENNA (Sputnik) – Energy became the European Union’s top priority after the start of Russia's military operation in Ukraine, when the bloc decided to significantly reduce its imports of Russian gas. The decision led to a sharp rise in gas prices in the bloc.
The West is glossing over Europe's energy deficit and unjustifiably blaming Russia for causing the crises, Russia's Permanent Representative to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Alexander Lukashevich told Sputnik.

"Ignoring its own miscalculations in macroeconomic and energy policy, the 'collective West' accuses Russia of provoking the global energy and food crises. At the same time, the main factor of the current energy deficit and rising energy prices in Europe – the West's unlawful unilateral restrictions against Russia and politically motivated accelerated refusal to supply Russian hydrocarbons – is being deliberately hushed," Lukashevich said.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov addresses the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023 at United Nations headquarters.  - Sputnik Africa, 1920, 23.09.2023
Lavrov: West is 'Empire of Lies'
He added that the energy deficit was already leading to a reduction in the industrial potential of the European economy and reduced its competitive advantages.
"There is a disinformation campaign brewing in the OSCE aimed at blaming Russia alone for the turbulence in global food markets. In reality, these are just attempts by the US and its satellites to squeeze Russia out of the world food market and ensure advantages for their own agricultural corporations. Nothing personal, as they say, just business," the permanent representative added.
In response to the Russian military operation in Ukraine, which started in February 2022, the EU decided to reduce its imports of Russian gas, which resulted in price hike in gas prices. To curb the increasing of costs, the European Commission unveiled several measures, including joint purchasing, price caps and increased energy conservation efforts.
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