As Russia cuts Germany’s gas supply, Germany’s economy minister has said the country will begin a program of gas rationing of the use of gas for electricity production.

Germany needs to fill its storage facilities during the summer as usage levels are lower, so it can supply the gas in winter, when its use for heating homes makes it far more critical.

Economy Minister Robert Habeck said the nation would try to compensate for the loss of gas-produced electricity by burning more coal, which is far more polluting. “That’s bitter, but it’s simply necessary in this situation to lower gas usage,” he added.

Although so far Europe has been able to make up for the shortfall of gas produced by the withdrawal of Russian supply, Habeck says the situation is still serious.