Russia restarts Nord Stream 1 natural gas flow to Germany

July 21 (UPI) -- Russia restarted the Nord Stream 1 natural gas pipeline to Germany at 40% capacity on Thursday.

The move relieved fears that a shutdown for maintenance earlier this month would become permanent, but worries remain that the reduced levels won't be enough gas for Europe in the winter.

The Russian company Gazprom had slashed flows to Germany by 60% in recent weeks. Gazprom blamed the cut on the absence of a gas turbine that was being repaired.

German officials said it found "no technical justification" for the cut since the completion of repairs. European leaders believe the cut was made in retaliation for sanctions the European Union has leveled against Moscow since the start of its war on Ukraine.

Gascade, the German operator of the Nord Stream 1 pipeline, said 530 gigawatt hours were expected to be delivered Thursday, less than 40% of what it normally expects.

Some European Union leaders have accused Russia of using the natural gas pipeline as blackmail against countries who are supporting Ukraine in Moscow's invasion of the country.

Western Europe has been relying on fossil fuel energy from Russia for decades and is now struggling to find alternative sources. The European Union recently negotiated new deals with the United States and Azerbaijan and is currently in meetings with Israel and Qatar for additional supplies.

"As if Nord Stream 1 going back to 30% today can be read in any way in terms of Putin's intention in terms of assuring European gas supply," said Timothy Ash, an economist at BlueBay Asset Management, according to CNBC.

"What we know is that Putin has no intention of helping Europe get through the winter in terms of gas supply without difficulty. He wants a gas and energy crisis in Europe this winter as this gives him leverage."

On Wednesday, the European Commission announced a plan to reduce energy use this upcoming winter because of "the Kremlin's weaponization of gas exports." The commission said that nearly half of its members have already been affected by Russia's reduced deliveries.