Italy's drive to quickly reduce its dependence on Russian natural gas has made the country less vulnerable to supply disruptions, Prime Minister Mario Draghi said Wednesday, noting that the country has accumulated 80 percent of its gas reserves before winter and is on track to reach 90 percent by October, AP reported.

Draghi said Italy has reduced its dependence on Russian natural gas from 40 percent last year to half by finding new sources in countries from Algeria to Azerbaijan. The fuel is used to heat and cool homes, generate electricity and run factories.

Italy could become fully independent of Russia by the fall of 2024 if it installs two new regasification plants, he added.

"Our goal of diversifying from Russian gas was fundamental to giving citizens and businesses greater certainly about the stability of supplies," Draghi said.

Italy's prime minister resigned in July after key right-wing parties withdrew their support for his government.

He remains in office until a new government is formed after the September 25 parliamentary elections.