Scholz: Energy security is a problem that can last years

A recent Berlin Hertie School study showed that in the two months of March, April, natural gas consumption from industries decreased by 11% compared to the same levels of the 2021 period.

Likewise, in the same period of time, household consumption has decreased by 6%. On Monday, July 11th, Moscow will close Germany's main natural gas pipeline, Nord Stream 1, for maintenance and theory is set to reopen it in 10 days.

But there is strong concern in Berlin that the pipeline may never reopen if Moscow decides to retaliate against sanctions by completely cutting off fuel supply.

So, Helmut Deddy, head of the German Cities Association, urged “of the entire society” to reduce energy consumption now, save as much as it can during the summer to warm in winter,

Municipal authorities of several cities have already taken appropriate measures. Concretically, it proposed turning off traffic lights during the night, cutting out the hot water supply for municipal buildings, museums and sports centres, adapting air conditioning to temperatures that consume less energy and closing lighting in the country's historic buildings.

According to the German business association GdW, fighting in Ukraine will increase consumption prices by 71% to 200% compared to last year's levels. This increase means an additional annual cost of 1,000 to 2,700 euros for each single-person family and up to 3,800 euros for four-member families.

However, this cost could increase further, as a result of a new law to be adopted by the German Parliament. The relevant bill aims to prevent bankruptcy of natural gas importer companies feared by German Economy Minister Robert Habeck. /abcnews.al/