Germans are snapping up wood and coal, despite the arrival of Spring, with an eye on climbing gas prices and uncertainties about the effects of a prolonged war in Ukraine. Germany on Wednesday declared an “early warning” of a possible gas supply emergency, a sign of concern about possible disruption or stoppage of natural gas flows from Russia. “Our phones are ringing off the hook,” said Erik Passow, who builds furnaces and fireplaces, adding that supply shortages were also making it difficult to keep up with orders. “People want security, because freezing isn’t fun.” Despite stable gas supplies, consumers and companies have been advised to reduce their energy consumption, with Economy Minister Robert Habeck saying “every kilowatt-hour counts”. Susanne Gasden is one […]