The Dutch government declared an "early warning" stage of a natural gas crisis because of Russia's tighter gas supplies to Europe.
The mood in Europe on energy has been badly affected by Russia's actions in recent days. The governments and industry in Europe believe that Moscow will use gas as a political weapon against them. Major European nations, not just a few like Bulgaria and Poland, are likely to see gas supplies trimmed or cut completely and need to take steps to reduce their vulnerability.
Gas flows to other countries, including Italy and France, have already been cut. The Dutch government said there were no gas shortages in the country.
Rob Jetten said in a statement that the total gas supplies from Russia to Europe are declining rapidly. Without taking measures the Netherlands and Europe would not be able to fill up gas storage facilities in time for the winter.
Most European countries build up gas stocks in the summer when demand is low to prepare for the winter. Europe is vulnerable to Russian blackmail on energy due to insufficient reserves.
The government of the Netherlands said it was taking steps to cut gas use. Limits on coal-fired electric power stations will be lifted in the future. In order to encourage residents and businesses to save gas, the government will give a financial incentive to large industrial users to cut their gas use.
The Austrian government said it would allow the conversion of a gas-fired power plant to coal.
The Dutch government is resisting calls to increase output at the gas field in the north of the country that is scheduled to close because of earthquakes. The government seems to be trying to keep its options open on Groningen, which is operated by a joint venture.
The government said that it wouldn't shut down any wells this year because of uncertainty.
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