Germany raised its alert level on Thursday to continue securing gas supplies, a mechanism that has brought the country closer to rationing measures after Russia cut deliveries via the Nord Stream pipeline by 60%.
“We are experiencing a gas crisis that has become a rare resource,” Economy Minister Robert Habeck said.
This level of alert allows the government to “support” the market in the face of high prices.
The third and final phase of the plan is the “level of urgency” and allows the State to arrange rations to distribute gas among individuals, public buildings and companies.
Last week, gas supplies to Germany via the Nord Stream pipeline fell by 60%. Russian group Gazprom claimed it was a technical problem.
For the German government, however, it was a “political decision” at a time of tension between Russia and Western countries over the war in Ukraine, which began in late February and led to major international sanctions against Moscow.
Currently, Germany’s reserves are at 58%, above the level in recent years. However, if the supply via the Nord Stream continues at a “low level”, the 90% reserve level recommended by German winter law will not be reached, according to the ministry.
source: Noticias
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