European leaders are increasingly worried that Russia will completely shut off European Union (EU) gas supplies, with Italy having requested a new meeting to discuss the matter.
Russian energy giant Gazprom has reduced its gas flows to Europe by about 60% over the past few weeks, prompting Germany, Italy, Austria and the Netherlands to give indications to return to using coal.
The EU's top diplomat, Josep Borrel told CNBC on Friday about the gradual reduction in gas supplies by Russia, where some countries are short of almost 100%, and some are also losing 10%to 15%.
He also mentioned about the ‘tactics’ used by Russia to put more pressure (shut down gas supplies completely) to Europe next winter and they need to be prepared for that.
Meanwhile, Luxembourg Prime Minister Xavier Bettel did not rule out the possibility that Russia could cut supplies entirely after being asked by CNBC about it.
In the meantime, Italy has asked for a meeting between EU members next month to discuss the energy and economic situation further.
