https://www.dw.com-Economy Minister Robert Habeck called on firms and individuals to try and reduce their energy consumption as much as possible as Germany tries to wean itself off dependence on Russian gas.
‘We must increase precautionary measures in order to be prepared in the event of an of an escalation on the part of Russia’
German Economy Minister and Vice-Chancellor Robert Habeck on Wednesday triggered the early warning level for gas supplies as Moscow continues to demand to be paid in rubles.
This move is the first of three warning levels, and it entails the creation of a crisis team in his office to deal with stability of the country’s gas supply. Germany’s gas storage is currently filled to about 25% capacity, Habeck said.
“There are currently no supply shortages,” he explained. “Nevertheless, we must increase precautionary measures in order to be prepared in the event of an escalation on the part of Russia.”
Habeck called on businesses and individuals to try and reduce their energy consumption as much as possible as Germany tries to wean itself off dependence on Russian gas.
The three-stage emergency plan details ways to conserve gas, secure supplies and make sure households have adequate amounts of fuel.
Putin demands ‘unfriendly’ states to pay in rubles
Last week, President Vladimir Putin had announced that Russia would supply gas to Germany and other “unfriendly states” only against payment in rubles, a move likely intended to prop up the currency that has tumbled in value due to Western sanctions over Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.
Western countries have said they will not comply with Russia’s demand.
Moscow on Tuesday reiterated that it will only be accepting payment in rubles for gas deliveries to the European Union.
How has German industry reacted
German industry representatives have reacted positively to the alert announcement.
The umbrella association for the energy and water industry, BDEW, said it was an important step in light of the looming threat of a disruption to gas supplies.
“Although there are currently no shortages of gas, all parties involved need to have a clear road map of their rights and obligations in the event of a supply disruption,” said BDEW head Kerstin Andreae.
The head of the Federal Network Agency, Klaus Müller, also called for consumers and businesses to play their part in dealing with the situation. He underlined the need for reducing energy usage and to prepare “for all scenarios.”
Germany’s heavy reliance on Russian gas
Germany is heavily reliant on Russian gas for its energy needs, with over half of its supplies of the fossil fuel coming from Russia, making Europe’s largest economy particularly vulnerable to the economic impact of the war in Ukraine.
In recent weeks, Germany has accelerated plans to reduce its dependence and diversify its supplies.
If the situation escalates and Germany is forced to implement its highest warning level, the government would likely take over distribution to ensure adequate gas supplies for “protected customers,” which means households and hospitals, among other essential services.
sri/kb (AP, dpa, AFP)