Italy imports nearly 50% of its natural gas from Russia
2022 03/16
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has led to a surge in energy prices, affecting Italy's economy, which has been dependent on Russian energy imports for years, euron.net reported.
Although gas consumption in Italy reportedly declined between 2010 and 2014, thanks to an increase in subsidized wind and solar power. But in recent years, the country's reliance on natural gas has risen again as polluting coal-fired power plants have been taken out of operation.
Currently, Italy imports 90 percent of its natural gas from abroad, including 45 percent from Russia.
The urgency of Italy's energy situation is filtering through to consumers in the form of higher heating bills and higher petrol prices as energy prices rise.
In response, state broadcaster RAi has launched a campaign with a list of ways to save energy, including turning off lights, lowering thermostats and defrosting fridges regularly.
Lorry drivers, who say they cannot afford higher petrol prices, are also planning a strike in the near future. Fishermen have also decided not to trawl the waters off Italy, leaving fishing boats anchored in ports across the peninsula.