Foreign
GERMANY has been saving less gas than many other European Union countries in recent weeks and is falling behind the country’s commitments, according to European Commission figures.
Although Germany consumed less than 28 per cent gas in August compared to the five-year average.
The Europe’s biggest economy only saved 7.4 per cent in September, according to data by Eurostat, the European Commission’s statistical office said.
In July, EU countries agreed to voluntarily reduce their gas consumption by 15 per cent between August and March 2023 compared to the average of the past five years.
In case of widespread gas supply shortages voluntary saving targets would become mandatory.
Across the entire bloc gas use fell by 14 per cent in August and 15 per cent in September.
Finland, Sweden and Latvia more than halved their gas consumption in September.
Slovakia, Ireland and Spain consumed more gas in September compared to the five-year average for the same period.
The 27 EU member states had scrambled to wean the bloc off Russian energy imports.
Germany was particularly reliant on Russian supplies prior to the war in Ukraine launched in February, although Berlin has been quickly finding alternative sources. (dpa/NAN)
A.I
Tags: EU European Commission
