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.

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.

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.

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.

While the EU tries to reduce its dependence on Russian energy, others are cashing in. India is buying more oil from Russia, at a heavily discounted price. It's already ordered six million barrels of Russian crude oil – half of last year's imports. Also in the show: Ghana's lawmakers approve a controversial "e-levy", a 1.5 percent tax on electronic payments.

While the EU tries to reduce its dependence on Russian energy, others are cashing in. India is buying more oil from Russia, at a heavily discounted price. It's already ordered six million barrels of Russian crude oil – half of last year's imports. Also in the show: Ghana's lawmakers approve a controversial "e-levy", a 1.5 percent tax on electronic payments.