Switzerland warns of riots due to power outage in winters as Russia cuts gas supply

As Russia slashes energy supply to Europe via Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline, Swiss government and cantons on Saturday warned that citizens must prepare for “extreme scenarios” such as riots as EU member state braces for possible energy shortages in harsh winter. A top cantonal security official told local press reporters that power outage, sparked due to looming energy crisis due to ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, will have serious and devastating consequences." 

According to Swiss police chief, Fredy Fassler, Switzerland might have riots countrywide if energy shortages occur in upcoming winter. "Power outage... will have serious consequences. Imagine situation when we can no longer withdraw money from ATMs, we can no longer pay by card in a store or refuel at a gas station. heaters are no longer working. streets are all dark. In that case, it would be possible to imagine that population would rebel," Fassler said when reached out for a statement by  Blick newspaper. he cautioned that Swiss authorities must stand rey for worst-case scenario.

"Switzerland is actively preparing for threat of an electricity shortage in winter. energy supply is at centre of attention," said Swiss police chief, Fredy Fassler. 

Swiss authorities ask public to stock 'candles and firewood'

Swiss Federal Council is urging power plant operators to negotiate contracts for use of backup power plants in event of an electricity shortage to avoid extreme measures and angst by public. He of Swiss Federal Electricity Commission Elcom, Werner Luginbuhl, urged citizens to stock up on candles and firewood and be prepared for outages. Such warnings come as elsewhere in Germany millions of lower-income households will apparently struggle to pay ir energy bills due to significantly high bills amid energy crisis. 

Russia's state energy giant Gazprom (GAZP.MM) announced that it was cutting gas supply via  major pipeline to Europe to 20% of capacity due to equipment repairs, triggering fresh fears of energy crisis across EU member states that heavily rely on Moscow for its energy needs.

move was denounced as "political leverage" as Russian troops continue to launch an offensive in Ukraine just as Europe braces for harsh winters.  Russian state-owned company tweeted that it is slashing gas supply throughput of Nord Stream 1 pipeline that runs under Baltic Sea to Germany to 33 million cubic meters for at least three days—from August 31 to September 2. Gazprom cited maintenance work at Europe's largest gas pipeline such as turbine repairs as cause for sudden reduction.