Russian gas continues to flow into Europe after President Vladimir Putin threatened to cut off supplies unless they are paid in roubles, a demand rejected by European leaders as a breach of contract. However, Putin's decree does include a mechanism under which foreign buyers would set up special accounts at Gazprombank, which would convert foreign currency payments into roubles on their behalf. Plus, workers at an Amazon warehouse in New York could be heading for a landmark victory for organised labour following a vote on whether to unionise.

US President Joe Biden has ordered the release of 180 million barrels of oil from the country's Strategic Petroleum Reserve. It's the third such move in six months, but the biggest amount on record, in an effort to lower soaring petrol prices. Also in the show: the EU faces a potential shortage of natural gas as Vladimir Putin doubles down on his demand for payment in roubles, and inflation in France hits its highest level since 1997.

US President Joe Biden has ordered the release of 180 million barrels of oil from the country's Strategic Petroleum Reserve. It's the third such move in six months, but the biggest amount on record, in an effort to lower soaring petrol prices. Also in the show: the EU faces a potential shortage of natural gas as Vladimir Putin doubles down on his demand for payment in roubles, and inflation in France hits its highest level since 1997.

US President Joe Biden has ordered the release of 180 million barrels of oil from the country's Strategic Petroleum Reserve. It's the third such move in six months, but the biggest amount on record, in an effort to lower soaring petrol prices. Also in the show: the EU faces a potential shortage of natural gas as Vladimir Putin doubles down on his demand for payment in roubles, and inflation in France hits its highest level since 1997.

US President Joe Biden has ordered the release of 180 million barrels of oil from the country's Strategic Petroleum Reserve. It's the third such move in six months, but the biggest amount on record, in an effort to lower soaring petrol prices. Also in the show: the EU faces a potential shortage of natural gas as Vladimir Putin doubles down on his demand for payment in roubles, and inflation in France hits its highest level since 1997.

Vladimir Putin has backtracked on a demand that European customers pay for Russian 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.

Vladimir Putin has backtracked on a demand that European customers pay for Russian 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.

Vladimir Putin has backtracked on a demand that European customers pay for Russian 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.

Vladimir Putin has backtracked on a demand that European customers pay for Russian 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.

The German government has activated its emergency plan for gas supplies, as fears rise that Russia could cut off the flow of gas to Europe. The early warning, announced by Economy Minister Robert Habeck, is the first of three stages in Berlin's emergency plan aimed at securing supplies. The move comes as Moscow insists it be paid in roubles for Russian gas. Also today, we report on how the sanctions on Russia are affecting the diamond trade in the Belgian city of Antwerp.