Short on gas

Disruptions in natural gas supplies from Russia by state-controlled Gazprom are testing Poland's resolve on it's hawkish position on Ukraine and Crimea. After the latest rounds of sanctions by western nations against Russian involvement in supporting eastern Ukraine rebels, Gazprom cut delivery close to the minimum allowed by contract.

Poland had to suspend the moderate amount of natural gas that it ships via pipeline to western Ukraine due to the current short supply.  

Poland, one of the most vocal critics of Russian intervention in Ukraine, depends on Russian gas imports for more than half its requirements. 

Russia may be using short sales of gas to Poland as a way to warn the EU who also depend heavily on Russian supplies that they'll suffer a cold winter if sanctions on Moscow continue. 

In a move to be self-reliant Poland is focused on developing its domestic shale gas resources. Although not as plentiful as first predicted there is enough gas at depths to 5,000 feet below the surface to make Poland free from import dependency. Currently, there are 65 shale gas wells operating, more than any other European country, and Poland plans to build 50 new  wells every year.

Shale Gas Deposits in Poland