Unless you have monstrous storage capacity (much greater than the US Strategic Reserve), you can’t “save it for later” for long at all. Shutting down production and pipelines (esp. in cold climates) to terminals is even more problematic.
Moreover, almost half of Russia’s gov’t is funded by oil and gas profits. Most of the rest of the profit goes to keeping the oligarchs happy.
Same pressure build up with Russia's gas production. It must flow to Europe. But since it isn't...... Russians have been flaring off at least 10 million dollars worth each day at the Nord Stream terminus. In the St Petersburg region. And the gas flare can be seen at night from Finland.
Good point. But they can sell to china and other nations for $5 more than the West is willing to pay.