BERLIN, March 30 Reuters Germany triggered an emergency plan to manage gas supplies in Europe39;s largest economy on Wednesday, an unprecedented move that could see the government ration power if there is a disruption or halt in gas supplies from Russia.

The announcement is the clearest sign yet that the European Union is preparing for Moscow to cut supplies to the region after President Vladimir Putin demanded that Europe and the United States pay for gas exports in roubles.

That demand, which has been rejected by G7 nations, is in retaliation for the West imposing crippling sanctions on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.

Moscow has not said when the currency change will take effect but it is expected to unveil its plans for rouble payments on Thursday. Russia39;s top lawmaker warned on Wednesday that oil, grain, metals, fertiliser, coal and timber exports could also soon be priced the same way.

With a potential crunch looming, Germany39;s Economy Minister Robert Habeck activated the 39;early warning phase39; of an existing gas emergency plan meaning that a crisis team from the economics ministry, the regulator and the private sector will monitor imports and storage.

Habeck told a news conference that Germany39;s gas supplies were safeguarded for the time being but he urged consumers and companies to reduce consumption, saying that every kilowatt hour counts.

We must increase precautionary measures to be prepared for an escalation on the part of Russia, said…