2 yıl önce

Germany prepares for gas rationing in payment standoff with Russia

German Economy Minister Habeck says the country should prepare for potential gas supply disruption in the coming days as Russia demands payment in roubles.

Reuters

A crisis team has been set up to closely monitor the situation on a daily basis and report to the German authorities.

Germany triggered an emergency plan to manage gas supplies in Europe's largest economy, an unprecedented move that could see the government ration power if there is a disruption or halt in gas supplies from Russia.

The announcement - the clearest sign yet that the European Union is preparing for supply disruptions after imposing unprecedented sanctions following Russia's attacks on Ukraine - comes as Moscow plans to introduce a new mechanism switching payment for its gas to roubles.

That demand that has been rejected by the G7 nations, including Germany, and stoked fears of disruptions.

Under Germany's existing gas emergency plan, the early warning is the first of three stages and does not yet imply state intervention to ration gas.

But Economy Minister Robert Habeck urged consumers and companies to reduce consumption, saying that "every kilowatt hour counts".

Prepare for 'all scenarios'

He told a news conference that gas supplies were safeguarded for the time being, and that Germany was closely monitoring supply flows with market operators.

"Nevertheless, we must increase precautionary measures to be prepared for an escalation on the part of Russia," said Habeck. "With the declaration of the early warning level, a crisis team has convened."

Russia accounted for 55 percent of Germany's gas imports in 2021. Although that figure fell to 40 percent in the first quarter of 2022, Habeck has said Germany will not achieve full independence from Russian supplies before mid-2024.

The crisis team, which includes members of his ministry, the German network regulator, network operators, and representatives of Germany's 16 federal states would closely monitor the situation "so that - if necessary - further measures can be taken to increase supply security".

The head of German network regulator Bundesnetzagentur, Klaus Mueller, in a tweet said the aim of the early warning was to avoid a deterioration of supply and urged consumers and industry to prepare for "all scenarios".

SOURCE: TRTWorld and agencies