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Germany said on Sunday it had made progress by significantly reducing its dependence on Russian energy, a strategic shift in Europe’s largest economy following the start of the Russian occupation of Ukraine.
Russian supplies now account for 12 percent of Germany’s oil imports, up from 35 percent earlier, the economy ministry said in a statement.
Also, coal imports from Russia are 8 percent, compared to 45 percent that Germany used to buy.
However, dependence on Russian gas is substantial, but Germany said it has reduced Russian gas imports to 35 percent, compared with 55 percent before the start of the Russian occupation of Ukraine on February 24.
In March, the German government unveiled plans to reduce oil imports from Russia by June and has said it wants to cut off coal supplies in the autumn of this year.
Germany also plans to give up Russian gas almost completely by mid-2024.
“All these steps we have taken require great effort from all parties and these steps also mean costs, which are being felt by the economy and consumers,” said German Economy Minister Robert Habeck.
“But they are necessary if we do not want to be blackmailed by Russia,” he added.
Europe is heavily dependent on Russian energy, importing 47 percent of its gas from Moscow.
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