'We must increase precautionary measures in order to be prepared in the event of an of an escalation on the part of Russia'
CNBC: Germany warns of possible natural gas rationing amid dispute with Russia
* German Economy Minister Robert Habeck said Wednesday that the “early warning” measure was the first of three stages and does not yet imply a state intervention to ration gas supplies.
* However, Habeck called for consumers and companies to reduce consumption, telling a news conference that “every kilowatt hour counts,” according to Reuters.
* European countries’ dependence on Russian energy exports has been thrust into the spotlight since the Kremlin launched its invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24.
Germany has declared an “early warning” that it could soon be facing a natural gas emergency as Europe’s largest economy prepares for the risk of a full supply disruption from Russia.
The Kremlin has repeatedly demanded that so-called “unfriendly” countries pay in rubles for gas, referring to those behind heavy economic sanctions designed to isolate Russia over its unprovoked onslaught in Ukraine.
The G-7, which induces Germany, has rejected that demand. Most countries currently pay for Russian gas in euros or dollars.
Read more ....
Update #1: German economy minister raises warning level for gas supplies (DW)
Update #2: Germany issues ‘early warning’ of possible gas shortages as Russia threatens supplies (CNN)
Update #3: Gas supply crisis fears grow as Germany triggers ‘early warning’ (Al Jazeera)
WNU Editor: It looks like Russia is backing down (for now) .... Russia won't demand immediate switch to rouble gas payments, Kremlin says (Reuters).
This summer will see the nuclear plants come back online or a sweeping nonconfidence vote will boot the government out of power.
ReplyDeleteHow about merkel getting on a treadmill and walking a few watts into existence? Geeze some people are in another world.
ReplyDeleteHow's those windmills doing, honey?
Merkel (CDC) is no longer Chancellor of Germany. Her bad governance is baked in.
ReplyDeleteScholtz (SPD) is the Chancellor of Germany.
If Merkel is a stateswoman instead of a mere former office holder, she could advocate a prominent, private citizen for the nuclear and coal plants to be put back on line.
Where is the problem? Buy gas from USA: triple the price, double the pollution. Is not better?
ReplyDeleteDouble the pollution So many areas form behind the Iron Curtain were polluted by the USSR and Warsaw Pact countries. Nat Geo did a special o Czechoslovakia.
ReplyDeleteIt took investment by BP and others to begin Russian oil fields up to standards. With BOP gone will Russian resort to its slothful wats.
Just think of all the radiation the Russian release when they blow up some Ukrainian apartment buildings form the Soviet era. Live in those apartments and your chances of living past 60 are not good.