Germany is preparing for a possible gas supply stoppage from Russia. German Economy Minister Robert Habeck (Greens) therefore called for the early warning level of the gas emergency plan today. This is just in case. Security of supply remains guaranteed. According to the emergency plan, there are three levels of crisis. In an emergency, domestic customers would be particularly protected.
“There are currently no supply bottlenecks,” says Habeck. “However, we have to step up precautionary measures to be prepared in the event of an escalation by Russia.” A crisis team convened when the early warning level was declared.
“The crisis team analyzes and assesses the supply situation so that – if necessary – further measures can be taken to increase security of supply. The federal government is doing everything possible to continue ensuring security of supply in Germany.”
According to the ministry, the global supply of all German gas consumers is still guaranteed. “However, from now on all gas consumers – from companies to individuals – are also obliged to reduce their consumption as much as possible.”
Moscow insists on payment in rubles
Background of the early warning level declaration: Russia remains adamant in its demand that Russian gas supplies to Western Europe be paid for in rubles.
By tomorrow, by order of President Vladimir Putin, the modalities will be worked out so that the system is “simple, understandable, transparent and implementable” for European and international gas receivers, said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. “Nobody is going to deliver gas for free, and it can only be paid in rubles,” he said again.