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Italy manages to fully substitute Russian gas supplies, says Energy Security Minister

"In Europe this issue is even more complex," Gilberto Pichetto Fratin said noting that gas prices have fluctuated greatly over the past two years

ROME, April 16. /TASS/. Italy has found alternatives to gas supplies from Russia, but, due to the instability of transport routes, it remains cautious in assessing energy prices, Italian Minister of Environment and Energy Security Gilberto Pichetto Fratin announced.

"Italy is independent of Russian gas, which was replaced with purchases from other suppliers," he said during a press conference at the Foreign Press Association, answering a corresponding question from TASS. The minister assured that the Italian authorities have ensures energy security of the country.

"In Europe this issue is even more complex," he said noting that gas prices have fluctuated greatly over the past two years.

"We are cautious in estimating prices for the future because it depends on transport," Pichetto Fratin said recalling instability in the Red Sea and possible disruption of transport routes.

Before the Ukrainian crisis, Italy met almost 40% of its needs with the help of gas from Russia, receiving up to 29 billion cubic meters of gas per year. In Italy, natural gas is actively used not only for heating, but also for generating electricity.

Currently, Algeria has topped the list of suppliers of gas to Italy. Rome has also entered into agreements with several African countries, and also purchases LNG.

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