Europe is about to introduce stronger economic sanctions against Russia. Given Putin’s past behavior I think it is likely that there will be Russian countersanctions.
The most relevant could be cutting off of gas for Europe. In the long run this would be self defeating because it accelerates energy independence from Russia. But nevertheless I think this is quite possible (est. prob: 25%). If this would come at the same time as below average temperatures in March and April in countries heavily depending on natural gas for heating (e.g. in Germany > 50% if you include district heating), then many households could find themselves temporarily without heating (est. prob: 10%). Of course, that is nothing compared to the hardship of the Ukrainian people but nevertheless it could make sense to make some cheap preparations:
1. If your heating is based on gas or on gas based district heating: Buying an electric fan heater. Cheap devices are currently sold on Amazon for less than 20 Euros. (Yesterday, I have paid 16 Euros for a heater).
2. If your cooking stove is based on gas and you don’t have an electric alternative (e.g. a microwave oven): Buying an electric hot plate. Single hot plates are currently about 20 Euros.
Both purchases would have to be made before Putin announces a gas embargo because, I believe, after that they will be sold out immediately.
Preparing for Possible Russian Countersanctions in Europe
Europe is about to introduce stronger economic sanctions against Russia. Given Putin’s past behavior I think it is likely that there will be Russian countersanctions.
The most relevant could be cutting off of gas for Europe. In the long run this
would be self defeating because it accelerates energy independence from Russia.
But nevertheless I think this is quite possible (est. prob: 25%). If this would come at the same time as below average temperatures in March and April in countries heavily depending on natural gas for heating (e.g. in Germany > 50% if you include district heating), then many households could find themselves temporarily without heating (est. prob: 10%). Of course, that is nothing compared to the hardship of the Ukrainian people but nevertheless it could make sense to make some cheap preparations:
1. If your heating is based on gas or on gas based district heating: Buying an electric
fan heater. Cheap devices are currently sold on Amazon for less than 20 Euros. (Yesterday, I have paid 16 Euros for a heater).
2. If your cooking stove is based on gas and you don’t have an electric alternative
(e.g. a microwave oven): Buying an electric hot plate. Single hot plates are currently about 20 Euros.
Both purchases would have to be made before Putin announces a gas embargo because, I believe, after that they will be sold out immediately.
Anything else on could do to prepare?