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EU Eyes Gas Demand Cuts to Confront Russian Supply Halt Risk

  • European Commission to propose guidance on demand curtailment
  • Low storage levels may limit nations’ power to help each other
Pipework at the Radeland 2 compressor station for the European Gas Pipeline Link, a downstream pipeline for Nord Stream operated by Gascade Gastransport GmbH, in Radeland, Germany.

Pipework at the Radeland 2 compressor station for the European Gas Pipeline Link, a downstream pipeline for Nord Stream operated by Gascade Gastransport GmbH, in Radeland, Germany.

Photographer: Liesa Johannssen-Koppitz/Bloomberg
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The European Union is seeking ways to reduce natural-gas demand to avoid splintering energy markets as dwindling supplies from Russia test the bloc’s unity in response to the war in Ukraine.

An increase in gas supply disruptions following the EU’s sanctions on Russia is prompting member countries to step up winter preparations as they seek to refill depleted storage sites At a meeting of ministers on Monday in Luxembourg, EU energy commissioner Kadri Simson urged more energy savings and efficiency to reduce the threat of gas rationing. German Economy Minister Robert Habeck warned of a possible gas shortage in the country and appealed to European solidarity.