国际英语新闻:Slovakia records drop in gas delivery from Russia

BRATISLAVA, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Gas utility Slovensky plynarensky priemysel (SPP) on Friday registered a reduction in gas delivery from Russia of around 10 percent below the usual level, confirmed SPP spokesman Peter Bednar.

"Our company continues guaranteeing fluent and continuous gas supplies for all our customers without any restrictions, and at the same time we continue in filling our underground reservoirs," said Bednar.

SPP has recorded a drop of 10 percent in the volume of gas supplies to Slovakia since Wednesday. Worse situation has been in Poland and Germany with drop in gas supplies from Russia of 20 percent.

According to Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, the 10 percent reduction in gas flows hasn't spelt trouble for Slovakia so far.

"If those gas flows were cut down in higher volumes, we would be forced to implement crisis measures," he said.

As for the cause behind the reduction, Fico believes there could be a number of reasons. He declared his intention to have the case investigated first before drawing any conclusion.

"I don't need to hear any propaganda or demagogy, only what lies at the crux of the matter. It could be a political problem, but also a technical problem. As soon as I get the answer, I'll certainly share what has happened," he claimed.