Germany activated the second phase of its three-stage emergency plan for natural gas supplies on Thursday. It says the country faces a “crisis” and warning that storage targets for the winter are at risk. Due to decrease in deliveries from Russia.
The government said the decision to raise the level to “alarm” follows the cuts to Russian deliveries made since June 14. And thus, continued high market price for gas. The third and highest stage is the “emergency” level, The Associated Press said.
It said that while gas storage facilities are currently filled to 58% capacity. Its higher than at this time last year. The goal of reaching 90% by December won’t achieve without further measures.
Economy Minister Robert Habeck said in a statement that “the situation is serious and winter will come.”
Germany and other countries have been trying to get additional gas from European neighbours such as the Netherlands and Norway. After the declaration of the first phase of its emergency plan in March.
To the horror of environmentalists, the government also announced Sunday. It would increase the burning of more polluting coal and reduce gas use for electricity production.
The government said it had informed European partners of the move in advance.
