Hopes Russia will restore gas supplies to Europe

There was cautious optimism last night that Russian gas will begin flowing into Europe again next week following agreement on monitors in both Russia and Ukraine.

Arrangements were being made to provide emergency supplies to the worst affected countries where industry has had to be shut down and heating to homes cut off or rationed despite sub-zero temperatures.

But nobody could say with certainty if the on-going negotiations being brokered by the European Commission and the Czech presidency will definitely lead to Russia turning on its gas and when this would happen.