Europe eyes voluntary 15% cut in gas consumption by member states

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen. Picture: Jean-Francois Badias/AP

The European Commision is set to propose a voluntary 15% cut in natural gas use by member states starting next month on concern Russia may halt supplies of the fuel.

The goal would be embedded in a regulation accompanying a demand-reduction plan the European Commission is scheduled to unveil on Wednesday to cope with a potential full cutoff by Moscow. The measure also would include a mandatory trigger if the situation worsens and voluntary curbs are insufficient.