Essay Sample: Europe's Dependence on Russian Natural Gas

The U.S. cutting off importing Russia's oil and gas has a ripple effect on the whole world. This is supported by the rising gas prices, Europe depending on Russia for gas and oil, and the U.S. considering importing gas and oil from countries that pose a threat to the U.S. It is obvious that the U.S. trying to impact Russia’s economy, actually impacts many countries worldwide.

First and foremost, U.S. prices are increasing fast. For example in paragraph 12 The text states “News of the U.S. oil ban sent gasoline prices surging. A gallon of regular sold for an average of

$4.17 on March 8.” That is a $2 dollar increase since 2020. Second of all, In early February, oil was selling for about $90 a barrel. Now, prices are surging close to $130 a barrel as buyers shun Russian crude. Oil company Shell said on March 8 that it would stop buying Russian oil and natural gas. It also pledged to shut down its operations there.”  The gas prices keep going up because the U.S. is using their own oil.

Another, piece of evidence is that Europe is very dependent on Russia for gas. In paragraph 17 the article provides “Russia provides about 40 percent of Europe's natural gas and about a quarter of Europe's oil. This natural gas provides energy for home heating, electricity and industry.” If Europe were to cut off importing oil and gas from Russia their economy would crash and burn. One more, key detail for this evidence is highlighted in paragraph 21 “Replacing the natural gas that Russia provides to Europe is likely impossible in the short term. Most of the natural gas Russia provides to Europe travels through pipelines. To replace it, Europe would mostly import liquefied natural gas.” There is only one problem Europe does not have enough pipelines to move all the liquid gas.