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Federal Minister of Economics
“Gas is now a scarce commodity”: Habeck announces the second crisis level in the gas emergency plan
Federal Minister of Economics Robert Habeck (Bündnis 90/Die Grünen)
© Michael Kappeler / DPA
Federal Minister of Economics Robert Habeck has declared the second stage of the crisis in the gas emergency plan. The reasons for this are the cuts in Russian gas supplies that have been in place since mid-June and the high prices on the gas market.
This text is continuously updated.
Federal Minister of Economics Robert Habeck (Bündnis 90/Die Grünen) has declared the second crisis level in the gas emergency plan, the so-called alarm level. The reason for this is the cut in Russian gas supplies that has been in place since mid-June and the high prices on the gas market, Habeck said on Thursday in Berlin. The situation is currently “tense”, but security of supply is guaranteed.
“We have a disruption in the gas supply in Germany,” said the minister. It is therefore necessary to declare the second of three stages in the emergency plan. The third would be the emergency level, only then can the state intervene in the market.
“Gas is a scarce commodity from now on,” Habeck continued. “All consumers – in industry, in public institutions and in private households – should reduce gas consumption as much as possible so that we can get through the winter.”
Habeck: “We have to be prepared for more climbs”
The emergency plan has three levels: The alarm level now declared is the second. The third would be the emergency level.
According to the plan, the alert level indicates a gas supply disruption or exceptionally high demand for gas, leading to a significant deterioration in the gas supply situation. However, the market is still able to handle this disruption or demand.
Utility companies should not yet be given the opportunity to increase their gas prices under the Energy Security Act. Two requirements must be met for this: On the one hand, the alarm level or emergency level must have been declared. On the other hand, the Federal Network Agency must have determined a “considerable reduction in the total gas import volumes to Germany” on this basis. This determination must be published in the Federal Gazette. Only then are companies allowed to raise prices to a “reasonable level”.
Habeck said on Thursday: “Prices are already high and we have to be prepared for further increases.” This will affect industrial production and become a major burden for many consumers. “It’s an external shock.” He accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of an “economic attack”.