Germany braces for gas rationing, triggering emergency plan to manage energy supplies

Germany is bracing for gas rationing as the country triggers an emergency plan in order to manage gas supplies on Wednesday, March 30.

The plan could begin the rationing of energy supplies of Europe’s largest economy of negotiations with Russia over Russia wanting Germany to pay for energy with roubles does not pan out how Germany wants it.

Reuters reports that Russia’s demand for nations to pay for energy using roubles has caused Greece to call an emergency meeting of suppliers, the Dutch government to urge consumers to use less gas and the French energy regulator urged consumers not to panic.

Greece is preparing for the chance that energy supplied by Russia runs dry inthe country. Currently, Greece receives approximately 40% of its annual gas needs from Russia. 

Russian gas accounts for a third of Europe’s annual energy needs, putting European countries in a compromised position with the idea that Russia may ask for payment in roubles. 

The demand has yet to be announced by Russia, but it is reported that the demand would possibly be made by Russia on Thursday, March 31. 

Reportedly, German Economy Minister Robert Habeck has implemented an “early warning phase” of the existing gas emergency plan.

The plan would create a crisis team from the economics ministry, the regulator and the private sector to monitor imports and storage of energy supplies.

The German Economy Minister said that for the moment the situation is under control but that consumers and companies need to reduce their energy consumption because “every kilowatt hour counts”.