Germany warns of natural gas emergency amid Russia-Ukraine war

Germany warned of a natural gas emergency on Wednesday amid threats of supply disruptions from Russia.

German Economic Minister Robert Habeck said the country has declared an “early warning” measure, the first of three stages of a contingency plan. The plan aims at protecting Europe’s largest economy from any possible reduction in Russian gas deliveries.

The Russian government demanded countries to pay in rubles for gas exports. Most countries deal with Russia for its gas exports in dollars and euros.

G-7 countries, including Germany, had turned down Russia’s demand.