Germany moves closer to rationing gas as Russia cuts supply

Germany has moved closer to rationing gas as it raised the alert level under an emergency plan after Russia slashed supplies to the country.

“Gas is now a scarce commodity in Germany,” economy minister Robert Habeck told reporters at a press conference on Thursday.

Triggering the second “alarm” level under its action plan brings Germany a step closer to the third and final stage that could see gas rationing in Europe’s top economy.

The development reflected a “significant deterioration of the gas supply situation”, Habeck said.

Germany, like several other European countries, is highly reliant on Russian energy imports to meet its needs.