German minister warns against cutting off Russian energy imports

German Economy Minister Robert Habeck has spoken out against a ban on energy imports from Russia in the wake of the Kremlin's invasion of Ukraine, reported dpa.

This could endanger social cohesion in Germany, Habeck said in Berlin on Thursday.

"I would not advocate an embargo on Russian imports of fossil fuels. I would even argue against it," he said.

Germany was currently still dependent on imports, said the Green politician, even if efforts were being made to change that as quickly as possible.

Last week the German government shelved the Nord Stream 2 pipeline for natural gas that was on the point of being ready to deliver fuel from Russia.

Natural gas accounts for about a quarter of Germany's energy needs. The vast majority is imported and in 2018 some 57% of imports were from Russia according to International Energy Agency.

When it came to Russia fossil fuels, "we need these energy supplies to establish price stability and energy security in Germany," Habeck said.

The German government is working towards ridding itself of gas, coal and oil from Russia, he said.

Reducing consumption can also contribute to this, he said. "If you want to hurt Putin a little, then save energy."