Geopolitical situation, Kremlin's manipulations to affect gas prices – Lithuanian PM

VILNIUS – The effect of Germany's recent decision to suspend the Nord Stream 2 project on the gas price will depend on other factors, including the general geopolitical situation and the Kremlin's potential manipulations, Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte says.

"The fact that the German government made the decision to suspend the certification cannot change the fact that the gas pipeline was never used for the transportation gas, meaning that its impact on the gas price will depend on other factors – the general geopolitical situation and on additional manipulations the Kremlin regime might make," the prime minister told reporters on Tuesday.

"Despite its non-existence and non-operation, Nord Stream is affecting gas prices as we have always viewed Nord Stream as a geopolitical projects and nothing has changed in here," she added.

Earlier in the day, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced the decision to suspend the Nord Stream 2 pipeline project with Russia in response to Moscow's recognition of two pro-Kremlin separatist regions in Ukraine.

The decision was on Tuesday confirmed by German Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht who is currently in Lithuania.