German Energy Minister Urges Nuclear Policy Review

JAKARTA - German Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy Katherina Reiche has urged a rethink of her government's stance on nuclear energy on the grounds of its high vulnerability due to its dependence on gas.

According to Reiche, Wednesday, April 1, the skyrocketing oil and gas prices have imposed an additional heavy burden on energy-intensive industries that are already under great pressure.

"We need gas to secure our supply. It's the only remaining basic supply. Politically, I have no alternative," Reiche told the Financial Times newspaper, as reported by ANTARA from Sputnik.

Previously, on March 11, Reiche said Germany's energy supply remained secure, with at least a dependence on Gulf countries for gas imports.

At the end of February, the United States and Israel launched attacks on targets in Iran, including in Tehran, causing damage and civilian casualties. Iran retaliated by attacking Israeli territory and American military facilities in the Middle East.

Escalation of tensions in Iran led to a de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which is the main route for the shipment of oil and liquefied natural gas from Persian Gulf countries to global markets.

The blockade also affects the export and production levels of oil in the region, thus pushing up prices.