European Commission recommends 15% reduction in gas consumption

Brussels: Considering the crisis in the energy and cooking gas sector, the European Commission has proposed to be cautious in gas usage. The Commission has urged EU countries to reduce demand for gas by 15% over the coming months. The commission also wants Brussels to be given special powers to impose mandatory energy rationing if Russia cuts gas to Europe.

The restriction on gas usage is expected to come into force by the end of September. The commission has also prepared an emergency action plan in this regard. The plan is expected to be approved at an emergency meeting of energy ministers in Brussels on Tuesday.

If Russia stops or cuts its gas imports, it will have a catastrophic effect on the European economy. Factories will have to shut down and households will be forced to turn down the heat. Last year, Russia represented 40% of the EU’s total gas imports.

Meanwhile, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said that Ireland is not as reliant on Russian gas as other countries. But he added that if there are supply issues across the EU, it will impact prices on the Irish market.

“Europe needs to be ready”

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that “Russia is blackmailing us”. “Russia is using energy as a weapon and therefore, in any event, whether it’s a partial major cut off of Russian gas or total cut off… Europe needs to be ready,” she added.

Alternative methods and systems are being actively explored, but the likelihood of obtaining the same amount of gas as the Russians is unclear.