Moscow:Russia has announced its readiness to resume gas supplies to European countries, should they express the desire for it, as stated by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak. This statement was made during an interaction with journalists at the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) summit.

According to Azeri-Press news agency, Novak highlighted that European consumers are currently incurring additional costs for more expensive liquefied natural gas (LNG) due to a prevailing shortage of gas and affordable energy resources.

Novak emphasized Russia's reliability as a supplier, stating, "For our part, we are ready for this. We have always been a reliable supplier." He further noted that if Europe chooses not to purchase Russian gas, Russia has alternative markets where their gas can be sold. He mentioned that Russia has enhanced its infrastructure to cater to countries with rapidly growing economies and increasing gas consumption. Novak concluded that while Russia faces no issues in selling its gas, the situation poses a greater problem for Europe.