Germans should save energy to put pressure on Russia – minister

div classBodysc17zpet90 cdBBJodivpBERLIN Reuters – Germans should start saving energy now to become more independent from Russian fossil fuels, Economy Minister Robert Habeck said, as Europes top economy looks for ways to cut gas and oil imports from Moscow in response to the war in Ukraine.p

pWith mounting civilian deaths in Ukraine amid Russias invasion, Germany is under pressure to wean itself off Russian gas and oil, as critics say the revenue provides Moscow with vital funds to wage war.pdivdivdiv classBodysc17zpet90 cdBBJodiv

pMoscow describes its invasion of Ukraine as a “special military operation”.p

pHabeck said Germany could become less dependent if citizens reduce their energy consumption, suggesting using the train or cycling instead of driving whenever possible.p

p“Every kilometre not driven is a contribution to making it easier to get away from Russian energy supplies. We are also protecting the climate,” Habeck said in interview with Funke Media Group.p

pHabeck said cutting 10 of individual energy consumption was possible, adding that employers could contribute by offering workers the option to work from home wherever possible.p

p“Wherever possible, one could work from home one or two days a week again – initially on a voluntary basis,” he said.p

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pp Reporting by Riham Alkousaa Editing by Alistair Bellp

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