Nord Stream gas supply pipeline from Russia will be closed INDEFINITELY after 'oil leak was found'

Europe's efforts to secure enough power for winter were handed a fresh blow today after Gazprom scrapped its own deadline to resume gas supplies via the Nord Stream pipeline as Vladimir Putin continues to weaponise the flow of energy into the continent.

The Russian energy giant said on Friday that all natural gas supplies via Nord Stream 1 would remain cut off 'indefinitely' after an apparent oil leak within the main turbine at Portovaya compressor station was discovered. 

No timeframe was given for the resumption of gas supplies into Europe, despite the fact flows were due to resume on Saturday following a three-day break for maintenance after Gazprom halted all supply on Wednesday.

Reduced deliveries via Nord Stream have left countries scrambling to refill storage tanks for winter and led to fears that Putin may ultimately determine whether or not the lights stay on in Europe amid the coldest months.