Cold Showers in Germany as Russia-driven Gas Crisis Worsens

Hanover responds to gas crisis after more Russian supply cuts.

Image credit: unsplash.com

Germans in Hanover will have to endure cold showers as they turn off the heating because of the Russian gas crisis.

It’s part of an all-out effort to maintain the depleting energy supply for the upcoming winter.

It is the first large city to respond to the drastic reduction in gas supply after the EU have stated that they must lower demand for Russian gas this winter by 15%.

Why are they doing this?

Company Gazprom, a Russian state-run energy company have limited the flow into Nord Stream 1 pipeline to 20% capacity, stating that there is a “technically error”.

It doesn’t take a genius to realise that this is probably a deliberate sanction by Russia.

Germans are especially worried about what this could mean for the future, as they are heavily reliant on Russian gas.

Pre-Ukraine War, Germany imported 55% of its natural gas needs from Russia and whilst they are actively trying to shift that now it is still a difficult process.

To protect the gas companies, Germany have confirmed a gas surcharge on customers. 

This is to prevent the gas companies from facing possible bankruptcy. 

The average household may see their gas prices increase by an extra €500. A huge increase on an already high gas price.

How else will the people living in Hanover be affected?

Hot water will not be available in public buildings as well as sports halls and swimming pools. The city will also see bans to portable air conditioners and heaters.

We may see other cities in Germany and around Europe follow in the footsteps of Hanover as the gas crisis could yet worsen.

Written By: Nial Dixon