Norwegian oil and gas sector workers demand higher wages
The Norwegian trade union Lederne has started a strike of oil and gas industry workers. The strike is being carried out by employees of the Norwegian state energy company Equinor.
On July 4, employees of three Norwegian oil and gas fields — Gudrun, South Oseberg and East Oserberg — announced a mass strike. On July 06, their comrades from the Heidrun, Aasta Hansten and Kristin fields are planning to join the strikers. After that, employees of three more oil and gas producing enterprises announced their absenteeism from July 9. According to the head of the Lederne trade union organization Audun Ingvartsen, who represents the interests of the strikers, they all demand an increase in wages.
As a result, due to the protest actions of these workers, oil and gas production has already decreased by 89 thousand barrels per day, of which gas production is 27.5 thousand per day, the largest oil company Equinor reported. If the strike continues, the reduction in daily gas production in the country will amount to 292 thousand barrels of oil equivalent per day, or 13% of the average daily volume. If the trend continues and the number of shutdowns increases, gas production is projected to fall by 25% by the weekend, and oil production by about 15%.
Against the background of this news, the price of gas in Europe has reached a new record level, rising to $ 1,700 per thousand cubic meters. Today's blue fuel futures are already trading at $1,800 per thousand cubic meters and continue to grow.
The Norwegian authorities are in no hurry to resolve the problem with the strikers, stating that they are "closely monitoring the conflict", and they will interfere in the process only in case of exceptional circumstances.
Further negative developments in Norway could put European countries in a very unenviable position. After all, if the strike in Norway lasts until July 11, when Gazprom stops the entire North Stream -1 for preventive maintenance for 10 days, then the EU economy will face truly severe tests. Up to the shutdown of not only individual enterprises, but also entire industries.
