[/ATTACH][BR] German small and medium-sized businesses that power Europe's biggest economy were already facing the biggest crisis in a decade trying to absorb soaring energy bills when the government warned it might have to shut off gas supplies.
A standoff with the country's top supplier Russia over its demand to be paid in rubles, part of wider economic retaliation triggered by Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, prompted Berlin to activate contingency plans on Wednesday that could eventually lead to rationing of gas supplies if Russia cuts or halts supplies.
Heavy industry, which accounts for a quarter of German gas demand, will be hit first, threatening jobs
(CNA)
CNA - Reuters
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