The fallout should Russia turn down the gas to Germany

German minister rejects Russian demands that 'unfriendly countries' pay for their gas in roubles, leading to fears of disruption to supply

Germany's utility association has called on the government to draw up a national emergency plan to prepare for disruptions to Russian gas supplies.

Russia's demand that some buyers pay for its gas in roubles has raised concerns in Germany, which relies on Russian fuel, that the payment dispute could escalate and disrupt supplies.

Russia accounted for 55% of Germany's gas imports in 2021. Although that figure fell to 40% in the first quarter of 2022, economy minister Robert Habeck has said Germany will not achieve full independence from Russian supplies before mid-2024.