The Dutch government will ask citizens and businesses to use less gas, but will not activate its gas crisis plan yet.

The Netherlands imports almost 20% of its natural gas from Russia and is looking for alternative sources.

Germany earlier announced an early warning system over fears of a natural gas emergency as Europe's largest economy braces for the risk of a complete shutdown of supplies.

According to him, the authorities decided to launch a public campaign this weekend calling on people to reduce their use of gas.

This is not a response to today's German measure, but, of course, is related to the situation in Ukraine. The campaign will emphasize that the less gas we use, the less we have to import, he said.

Despite tough sanctions imposed on Moscow by the European Union, Russian gas continues to flow to Europe, accounting for about 40% of its total supply.

In order for the EU to initiate a regional or bloc-wide anti-crisis plan, two member states must declare a state of emergency on the same grounds.