Bracing for Russian gas cuts, EU to ask countries to cut demand

The European Union will set out emergency plans to reduce gas demand within months, warning countries that without deep cuts now they could struggle for fuel during winter if Russia cuts off deliveries, according to a draft of the EU plan seen by Reuters.

EU officials said the target would be for a 10-15 percent cut in gas use. The proposal, which could change before it is published, proposes a voluntary target for countries to cut their gas demand over the next eight months.

It could be made legally binding in a supply emergency, despite resistance from countries including Poland who feel their contingency plans do not need intervention from Brussels.