Germany and Austria have triggered emergency plans over possible gas supply disruption

This comes as Russia urges “unfriendly” countries pay for its gas in roubles from the end of March.

The EU mainly pays in euros and have strongly rejected the idea amid a payments stand-off with Russia

Moscow later appeared to soften its stance, saying on Wednesday rouble payments would be introduced gradually.

But Germany and Austria have taken the first steps towards gas rationing.

Germany is now telling people to reduce consumption in case of possible shortages, while Austria will tighten its monitoring of the gas market.

Germany gets about half its gas and a third of its oil from Russia and has warned that it could face a recession if supplies come to a sudden halt.