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German officials are preparing without fuss in case Russia suddenly cuts off gas supplies, drafting an emergency package, which could even envisage taking control of some critical companies. The news was made known to Reuters by three people aware of this issue.
Preparations being led by the Ministry of Economic Affairs show growing concerns over the gas supply of Europe’s largest economic power, a critical product for the production of steel, plastics and cars.
Last year Germany secured 55% of its gas imports from Russia. Berlin is under pressure to “liberate” itself from this business relationship that critics say is helping to fund Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Germany has announced that it is seeking to give up Russian imports, but expectations are that it will be largely dependent on Moscow for gas, by mid-2024.
It remains unclear whether there will be an immediate gas supply shutdown. Officials said Germany wants to avoid an escalation in support of a European embargo on Russian gas, while already backing sanctions on Russian coal and oil.
But now German officials fear that Moscow may unilaterally cut off gas supplies and are trying to find ways to cope with such a situation.
Officials said details about a plan that would address the situation are currently being considered.
The government is expected to support further lending and guarantees to support companies operating in the energy sector, helping them cope with rising prices and may take on critical companies such as refineries, three said. officials aware of this issue.
Asked for a comment on the measures, officials from the German economy ministry noted the statements by the head of the institution, Deputy Chancellor Robert Habeck, who said the country had made intensive efforts in recent weeks to reduce the use of Russian energy.
Last month, Berlin passed a legal amendment to allow energy companies to take control as a last resort to resolve the situation.
Two German officials said they were currently discussing ways the measure could be used in practice, such as taking control of the PCK refinery, operated by Russia’s Rosneft ROSN.MM, located in the nearby city of Schwedt. Poland.
It handles most of the remaining Russian oil imported from Germany and could be hit by a European Union embargo.
Rosneft declined to comment on the measures that could be taken by the German authorities.
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