Gazprom cut deliveries via Nord Stream by 40% last week. The German government considers it a “political decision” in the bra-de-fer between Moscow and Western countries over the war in Ukraine
Germany will take emergency measures to secure its supply in the face of recent cuts in Russian gas supplies, most notably increased coal use, the government announced today.
«In order to reduce gas consumption, we must use less gas to generate electricity. Instead, coal stations need to be used more“, The Ministry of Economy stated in a statement.
The government is reacting to announcements last week of several cuts in gas supplies from Russian Gazpromvia Nord Stream pipelinein a bra-de-fer between Western countries and Russia in the context of the war in Ukraine.
This decision represents a reversal of the coalition government, especially for the Greens, which has promised to stop using coal by 2030.
«It is hard, but it is necessary in order to reduce gas consumptionSaid Economy Minister Robert Habeck in a statement.
The package announced today also envisions an “auction” system for the sale of gas to industrialists, which, according to Berlin, will reduce the consumption of the strong German industrial sector.
Moreover, its new appropriations public bank KfW should be stored in order to ensure the filling of the country’s gas tanks which is now at 56%.
«Security of supply is guaranteed“, Nevertheless “the situation is serious“, Said Habeck.
Gazprom last week reduced deliveries via Nord Stream by 40%, then by 33%, citing a technical problem. But the German government sees it as a “political decision” in the bra-de-fer between Moscow and Western countries over the war in Ukraine.
Despite the conflict, the Germany still imports almost 35% of its gas from Russia. This percentage was 55% before February.
