Germany plans to postpone the closure of its last three nuclear power plants amid a worsening energy crisis, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing sources.

Although the measure has yet to be confirmed by government officials, as some details are still being discussed, it will mark a turnaround from the country's longstanding policy goal of phasing out nuclear power.

The decision awaits the approval of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's cabinet as well as a vote in parliament.

The three nuclear power plants were scheduled to close Dec. 31, but a halt in natural gas supplies from Russia has paved the way for an extension. In recent months, gas supplies through Russia's Nord Stream 1 pipeline have fallen to 20 percent of capacity.

European natural gas prices have risen sharply this year amid shrinking supplies, while demand has surged as a record heat wave has boosted energy consumption for cooling. Meanwhile, countries are also now trying to stockpile gas to ensure sufficient supplies for the winter.