At least 389 people are known to have died from the cold weather since the cold snap began 11 days ago [Reuters]
Italy is set to hold emergency talks aimed at maximising gas supplies to vulnerable households as a cold snap tightened its grip on the country and the death toll rose to 26.
The scheduled talks on Tuesday come a day after the economic development ministry activated a plan to reduce gas supplies to industrial clients and switch from gas to oil-fired power stations amid fears of another cold wave in Russia, which could limit supplies to Italy.
“The situation is certainly critical because the flows from Russia and France have diminished but the situation is being monitored,” Corrado Passera, economic development minister, told reporters.
A total of 389 people are now known to have died from the cold weather in Europe since the cold snap began 11 days ago. Forecasters say there will be no early let-up to some of the lowest temperatures seen in decades.
Alberto Clo’, an Italian energy policy expert and former minister, however told Il Mattino newspaper that there was no need
Read More from the Article Source: Full Article
