Against the background of the conflict with Russia over the payment of gas supplies to Europe, German Economy Minister Robert Habeck has activated an early warning regime for an emergency situation in the event of an interruption of gas supplies from Russia, Deutsche Welle reported.

"There are currently no supply disruptions, but we should nevertheless step up our precautions to be prepared in the event of an escalation by Russia," Habeck stressed Wednesday, March 30, in Berlin.

Habek called Moscow's demands for gas payments in rubles a violation of the agreement, since this document stipulates payment for gas in dollars or euros. russia, however, insists on its request and threatens to stop supplying gas if it refuses to pay for fuel in rubles.

According to Habek, the currently activated early warning is only the first of three and is a preventive measure.

A crisis group will also gather in Germany to assess and analyze the situation with the gas supply. This will enable further measures to ensure energy security, if necessary, the German energy ministry explained.

Habeck urged companies and private consumers in Germany to save energy. "Every kilowatt-hour saved matters," he noted.

As a reminder, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced last week that Russia will from now on accept payment for gas supplied to Europe exclusively in rubles. Germany and other G7 countries said they would not pay in Russian currency.