Uniper Subsidiary Sues Gazprom for €45M Over OPAL Pipeline Gas Transit

Here’s a breakdown of the key facts from the provided text, focusing on the legal dispute between Uniper/Lubmin-Bandov and Gazprom:

* The Lawsuit: Uniper’s subsidiary, Lubmin-Bandov Gastransport, has filed a €45 million lawsuit against Gazprom for gas not transported through the OPAL pipeline. This stems from Gazprom reducing gas deliveries after the 2022 Ukraine invasion and subsequent Western sanctions.
* Basis of the Claim: The lawsuit is based on a transit contract signed in 2012 for the OPAL pipeline, which is an extension of the Nord Stream pipeline. Lubmin-Bandov owns 20% of OPAL.
* Gazprom’s Response: Gazprom Export is fighting the lawsuit. Thay’ve asked a St. Petersburg arbitration court to block the Geneva proceedings.
* Russian Court Ruling: The St. Petersburg court ruled in Gazprom’s favor and issued an anti-suit injunction,preventing Lubmin-Bandov from continuing the case in Geneva.
* Threat of fines: lubmin-bandov was warned it could face fines equal to the €45 million claim if it proceeds with arbitration in Geneva despite the Russian court order.
* Lubmin-Bandov’s non-Participation: The company did not respond to or attend the court hearing in Russia.
* Pattern of Rulings: The St. Petersburg court has issued similar rulings against other European gas operators (Gasunie, BBL Company, Net4Gas) attempting to pursue arbitration against Gazprom over Nord Stream transit fees.
* Uniper Nationalization: Germany nationalized Uniper in 2022 with a €13.5 billion bailout.
* Related News: Germany’s Uniper was awarded 13 billion euros for lost Russian gas.

In essence, this is a complex legal battle where Gazprom is attempting to use the Russian court system to prevent European companies from seeking compensation for lost gas supplies in international arbitration.