French Economy, Finance and Recovery Minister Bruno Le Maire warned the public on Tuesday to prepare for a "harsh" forthcoming winter and urged it to reduce its use of energy, particularly gas, as much as possible.
"Each of us must understand that it will be necessary to reduce our energy consumption at home, in transport, in businesses, in administrations, and in shops," Le Maire told reporters. He also stressed there is a possibility the government will have to ration energy supplies for some businesses, "but it must be the last option."
Speaking about the deliveries of Russian gas to his country, Le Maire noted that France must find "alternative sources of supply." He also urged the European Union to create a joint response to the crisis and the surging prices of energy. Le Maire's comments came just hours after French power company Engie SA stated that PJSC Gazprom has informed it about reducing its deliveries of gas starting today.
