China News Service, March 14. According to Euronet, the recent conflict between Russia and Ukraine has led to soaring energy prices. For Italy, which relies on Russia for energy imports all the year round, its economy is suffering a serious impact.
According to reports, although between 2010 and 2014, thanks to an increase in subsidized wind and solar power generation, Italian natural gas consumption fell.
But the country's reliance on natural gas has risen again in recent years as polluting coal-fired power plants have been withdrawn from operations.
At present, 90% of Italy's natural gas is imported from abroad, of which 45% comes from Russia.
With energy prices rising, the urgency of Italy's energy situation is filtering through to consumers in the form of higher heating bills and rising gasoline prices.
In response to the situation, the Italian state broadcaster has also recently launched a campaign with a list of how to save energy, including turning off the lights, lowering the thermostat and defrosting the refrigerator regularly.
In addition, truck drivers who claim they cannot afford higher gas prices are also planning to strike in the near future.
The fishermen also decided not to trawl in the waters off Italy, which has led to the mooring of fishing boats across the peninsula.
(Ying Yongfeng)