Gas shortage in Murmansk

Now that the Drumbeat has disappeared with The Oil Drum, I must needs seek a little more diligently to find the stories that are of interest. One that seems to have slipped the general press is the shortage of gas in Murmansk.

The shortage was sufficiently severe that the "eternal flame" at the war memorial was allowed to go out, as domestic supplies ran short. The region has pinned great hopes on the development of the Shtokman field, but this has been postponed.

The situation is sufficiently bad that trains are being used to bring in natural gas from St. Petersburg, and while a solution has been promised for tomorrow (Sept 10th) there is no explanation as yet as to the answer forthcoming. I'll update the story s I find out more.