PLATTS - Natural gas flows via the Nord Stream pipeline from Russia to Germany totaled 58.8 Bcm in 2018 -- 3.8 Bcm higher than its nameplate capacity of 55 Bcm/year -- according to the operator of the pipeline.

REUTERS - Germany will try to protect German and European companies from some potentially “massive collateral damage” if Washington levies further sanctions against Russia, Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said.

EBRD - The Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) is announcing financial close, with €3.9 billion secured from public and private lenders.

BLOOMBERG - “The question is how much gas Russia ends up delivering into the European markets -- that will be a key determinant,” said Murray Douglas, research director for European gas at Wood Mackenzie Ltd. “Russia expressed publicly it wants to keep deliveries. That could generate a real collapse in prices in the summer months, when we will see a big LNG supply.”

PLATTS - The U.S. House of Representatives is set to vote Tuesday on a non-binding resolution expressing opposition to the completion of the 55 Bcm/year Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipeline from Russia to Germany.

ГАЗПРОМ - После рекордного 2017 года «Газпром» продолжает наращивать объем поставок. По предварительным данным, с 1 января по 28 ноября 2018 года поставки в страны Европейского союза возросли на 6,2% по сравнению с аналогичным периодом прошлого года.

REUTERS - “Between 150 and 160 transfers will take place in the port’s fjord from November to June,” local mayor Kristina Sigursdottir Hansen told Reuters. “Ships will be coming with gas from Russia, from Yamal ... More than 300 ships actually (will be involved).”

BLOOMBERG - The $11 billion pipeline is one of three giant projects helping the world’s biggest gas producer strengthen its grip on Europe and Asia. Thousands of miles to the east, the Power of Siberia pipeline will connect with China, and a project under the Black Sea will deliver fuel to Turkey and southeast Europe.

OGJ - “Nord Stream 2 and Turkish Stream are not commercial projects as their proponents proclaim,” Perry said. “They are naked political gambits aimed at driving a wedge between Europeans. They would increase Russia’s leverage over Europe’s foreign policy, and Europe’s vulnerability to a supply disruption.”

PLATTS - Ukraine is looking at different ways to use its vast gas transit network should Kiev fail to agree a new transit deal with Russia's Gazprom once their existing contract expires at the end of 2019, a senior Ukrainian politician said.