European leaders have issued a nine-point plan to cut the use of fuel in order to slow the likely need to ‘ration’ car fuels, heating oil, and gas by the end of 2022.
As the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues, officials have raised the alarm over the need to begin conserving supplies where possible to avoid a worst-case scenario across the member states.
Europe imports about 40% of its natural gas and 27% of its oil from Russia.
READ MORE: Europe imports about 40% of its natural gas and 27% of its oil from Russia
According to the European Commission and the International Energy Agency, there are two key seasons that will put extensive pressure on supplies:
- the summer driving season
- the winter 2022 heating season
By following the plan it is estimated that Irish families would cut nearly €500 off their bills and help avoid a scenario where supplies diminish before the end of 2022.
Among the key recommendations for the months ahead are:
- Turn down the heating and use less air con
- Adjust your boiler settings to ensure it’s at its most efficient settings
- Work from home where possible
- Use your car more economically
- Reduce your speed on motorways
- Avoid driving on Sundays if you live in cities with efficient public transport options
- Walk or cycle when you’re going shorter distances, leave the car at home
- Use public transport as often as possible instead of a private car
- Where possible, opt to travel by train rather than booking a flight
Dr Fatih Birol, IEA director, is encouraging people to follow these nine advisory steps as the summer months approach and says: 'We may be left with the choice of either utilities will have to ration – cut the energy to consumers – or we do it ourselves by pushing the energy-efficiency button."
He says by cutting down on fuel use now, "You save money, you push Russia back.
"You are on the front line with the Ukrainians against Russia and at the same time you reduce emissions.”
According to his estimates, these nine steps could save 600,000 barrels of oil per day - bearing in mind that the EU imports 2.3 million barrels of oil from Russia every day.
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