In his words, it is also a significant signal for Russia that has been dominating the Lithuanian gas market for years.
“The Kremlin used natural gas as an instrument or even a weapon for its goals in foreign policy and geopolitics, while Gazprom was the soldier that executed the policies. Signing of the agreement in America during the US-Baltic summit shows that Lithuania and other Baltic states are no longer dependent on energy supplies from Russia and can choose a reliable supply partner that is also a NATO partner,” Švedas, Lithuania’s former energy vice-minister, told BNS.
In his words, another signal for Kremlin is the fact that the United States is becoming a major player on the gas supplies market in Europe, which means that the US and Russia may be confronted in a competition battle.
The economic significance of the deals with the US company is also important, as the document will benefit Lithuanian consumers and the country’s economy, said Švedas.
“The liquefied natural gas market in Lithuania is finally operational, there is competition and different gas suppliers who are starting to compete. The competition benefits the people of Lithuania and the economy,” he added.