Despite the fact that Gazprom supplies of natural gas to Western Europe have not been affected by the Ukrainian conflict, EU member countries are conditioning the population to a coming rationing of energy. The German Federal Network Agency on March 18 confirmed talks with industry and the energy sector on crisis preparation in the event of a gas supply crisis, Der Spiegel reported. The reason for the talks was to prepare for the eventuality of unavoidable industry shutdowns, the agency said. “Household customers are subject to special legal protection in such a situation and will be given priority supply,” a spokesman stressed.
In Italy, Prime Minister Mario Draghi said on March 18 that “if things get worse, we should enter a logic of rationing.” Bank of Italy Governor Ignazio Visco said that the possibility of gas shortages that could push energy prices even higher, could “force gas and electricity rationing for some time, interrupting production.”
