Russia’s energy giant, Gazprom, is to cut its gas deliveries to Romania by 10 per cent starting on September 16, without any explanation, the Romanian Energy Minister Razvan Nicolescu said on Monday.

The move came three days after Gazprom cut gas deliveries to Romania by 5 per cent, for which no explanation was given, either.

“The decision is surprising, but we can deal with the situation. The population will not be affected even gas deliveries from Russia are stopped completely,” Nicolescu said.

Romania is not at risk, as we have enough gas in our deposits… while our own gas production is at a maximum levels,” he added.

Romania produces about 11 billion cubic metres of gas a year, covering about 75 per cent of its annual needs. It imports the rest exclusively from Russia.

Commentators in Romania agree that energy security is not a major issue. “Romania is not as vulnerable as other European countries,” energy analyst Otilia Nutu said.

“Gas from the east remains important, but our entire well-being no longer depends on it. Europe needs to come up with a common energy strategy to reduce its dependence on Russia.”

Romania is already looking to reduce its dependence on Russian energy, mainly by diversifying gas supply routes.

However, while Romania can take care of itself if gas deliveries from Russia fall year, it will not be in a position to help other countries.

It cannot export gas to neighboring Bulgaria, Serbia and Ukraine for technical reasons. A gas pipeline recently opened to Moldova but it can only meet about 3 per cent of Moldova’s total gas needs.

While the Moscow-based company has not explained the reasons for the cut, it is likely connected to Romania’s strong support for Western sanctions, imposed on Russia for its perceived role in the crisis in eastern Ukraine.