Estonia seeks to block Russian gas route to Kaliningrad

Estonia is set to decommission a secondary gas pipeline that Russia could utilize to deliver gas to its Kaliningrad region, according to a report by Eesti Ekspress on October 14. Prime Minister Kristal Michal is prepared to either collaborate with Latvia or employ unilateral sanctions to halt transit along the route. The pipeline, comprising two segments totaling 22 kilometers, extends from Russia through southeastern Estonia to Latvia, Lithuania, and finally to the Kaliningrad exclave.

The infrastructure is owned by Estonia's gas transmission system operator, Elering. Under an existing agreement, Russia maintains the option to reserve capacity on the pipeline to supply gas to Kaliningrad should the primary route through Lithuania or the floating liquefied natural gas terminal in Kaliningrad become obstructed. Although the pipeline is presently not in use, it transported approximately 0.5 terawatt-hours of Russian gas in July 2023 and during November 2024, constituting roughly 15% of Estonia's annual gas consumption.

Estonian energy officials appeared oblivious to the pipeline's continued operational status until recently. Prime Minister Michal was informed that the shutoff valve, capable of closing the pipeline, is situated in Latvia. Consequently, Michal directed Energy Minister Erkki Keldo to engage in negotiations with Riga. Should Latvia not cooperate, Estonia intends to impede transit via national sanctions.