Vladimir Putin has backtracked on a demand that European customers pay for natural gas imports in roubles, staving off an immediate supply problem. But Germany has activated the first stage of an emergency law that would pave the way for gas rationing. Officials are urging households and businesses to reduce their energy consumption, as they try to diversify their suppliers. Also in the show – inflation in Spain hits a 37-year high, as the government rolls out additional aid.
