Italy reduces dependence on Russian gas to 25pc

Italy has managed to reduce its dependence on gas imported from Russia to 25 per cent from 40 per cent last year as it diversifies suppliers, Prime Minister Mario Draghi said Friday.

"The measures the government has put in place since the beginning of the war are starting to pay off. Other gas suppliers are beginning to replace Russian gas," Draghi told the media in Brussels after the EU summit.

To reduce its dependence on Russian gas, Italy signed a major agreement with Algeria in April on gas supplies.

Discussions have also been held with Qatar, Angola and Mozambique.

In addition, Italy was thinking ahead to the winter season when gas demand is higher, and  "storage is going very well", Draghi said.