Vijlbrief: gas tap at companies cannot just be closed
The cabinet cannot just temporarily turn off the gas taps at companies, just to prevent extra gas from having to be extracted from the Groningen field in the coming months. That is only allowed if there is a “real gas shortage”, warns State Secretary Hans Vijlbrief (Mining) during a parliamentary debate. He does not rule out the option but prefers to look at other solutions.
The previous cabinet surprised the people of Groningen at the last minute with the announcement that much more gas may have to be pumped up this year than expected. This is because a factory that has to make foreign gas suitable for domestic consumption is ready later than planned. Contractual obligations to Germany can also lead to higher gas demand.
Vijlbrief previously announced that it was doing everything it could to prevent additional gas extraction. The temporary shutdown of companies is a measure that can be used in the event of acute shortages, and only after other steps have been taken. “If you were to use that means to ensure that there is no longer being pumped up in Groningen, it probably means that you will immediately be in court.”
The State Secretary considers it more likely to try to convince Germany not to ask for more Groningen gas. He is already in contact with his German counterpart about this. Here too he emphasizes that he cannot turn off the tap unilaterally. “That’s generally what countries that are friendly with each other don’t do.”
In addition, Vijlbrief mainly focuses on finding extra offers. He is also hopeful that the weather conditions will remain favourable. It has not been a very cold winter so far.