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Germany launched the second phase of its emergency plan for natural gas supplies on Thursday (June 23rd), saying the country was facing a “crisis” and warning that winter storage targets were in jeopardy due to of reduced supply from Russia.
The German government said the decision to raise the alert level follows a reduction in Russian gas deliveries made since June 14 and a steady rise in the market price for gas. The third and highest stage is the “emergency” level, which would allow the state to rationalize gas supplies.
German Economy Minister Robert Habeck said in a statement to the media on Thursday that “the situation is serious and winter will come.”
He said that while the gas storage facilities are currently filled to 58 per cent capacity – higher than at this time last year – the goal of reaching 90 per cent by December will not be achievable without taking further measures.
“Reducing gas supplies is an economic attack on us by (Russian President Vladimir) Putin,” he said. “We will defend ourselves against this situation. “But our country will have to go down a steep path now.”
“Even if we can not feel it yet: we are in a gas crisis,” Habeck added.
The government said it had informed European partners about the move in advance./Rel
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