The European Commission wants countries across the continent to curtail gas use by 15% until next spring as it braces for Russia possibly cutting off a major supply source.
The bloc unveiled the “Save Gas for a Safe Winter” campaign Wednesday due to what it said was the Kremlin’s “weaponization” of gas exports in response to Western sanctions over the Ukraine invasion.
“All consumers, public administrations, households, owners of public buildings, power suppliers and industry can and should take measures to save gas,” said the commission, the executive branch of the European Union. “The commission will also accelerate work on supply diversification, including joint purchasing of gas to strengthen the EU’s possibility of sourcing alternative gas deliveries.”
The plan is a voluntary call to action but could become mandatory if the Kremlin decides to trigger a serious shortage. Angry over U.S. and allied sanctions imposed following the Feb. 24 invasion of Ukraine, Russia has used its leverage as a major source of oil and natural gas for many EU countries to strike back, raising fears of fuel shortages for much of Western Europe.
Russia supplied roughly 40% of Europe’s gas supplies before the invasion of Ukraine, underscoring the need to diversify.
The planned 15% consumption cut would apply between Aug. 1 and March 31.
The Nord Stream 1 pipeline from Russia to Germany is currently offline for maintenance, but there are fears Russian President Vladimir Putin won’t let it come back online. Russia has also demanded payment in rubles for its gas despite global financial sanctions, which a few EU countries have agreed to do.
“Russia is using gas as a weapon. We have to address our energy security at the EU level,” EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen tweeted. “We learned from the pandemic that if we act in unity, we can address any crisis. So let’s act together to reduce gas use and provide a safety net for all EU countries.”
Mr. Putin, on a visit to Iran this week, said Western sanctions were to blame for the reductions in Russian supplies so far, saying a key Nord Stream 1 turbine sent to Canada for repairs cannot be returned to Germany because of the restrictions.
He also slammed a plan floated by the Biden administration to cap the price on global oil as a way to keep Russia from profiteering from the recent surge in prices, saying it would only further destabilize markets.
“We are hearing some crazy ideas about restricting the volumes of Russian oil and capping the Russian oil price,” the Russian leader told reporters in Tehran. “The result will be the same — a rise in prices. Prices will skyrocket.”
The commission asked EU members to develop plans for meeting the target and to report on their progress every two months. Countries that request “solidarity” supplies from other members must show how they’ve tried to cut back domestic use.
The bloc said by acting now, countries will have more supplies stored for the winter and can avoid economic shocks from sudden shortages. Some countries might impose limits on heating and cooling in public buildings, or compensate industries that curtail usage.
The EU this week signed a deal with Azerbaijan to double imports of Azeri gas by 2027, and has discussed supply deals with Israel, Egypt and other countries to make up for an expected loss of Russian supplies.
“With this new memorandum of understanding, we are opening a new chapter in our energy cooperation with Azerbaijan, a key partner in our efforts to move away from Russian fossil fuels,” Ms. von der Leyen said.
• This story is based in part on wire service reports.
• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.
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