OREANDA-NEWS. The head of the Association of Industrialists of Austria, Georg Knill, in connection with the discussion of a new package of sanctions against the Russian Federation due to the military operation in Ukraine, which will be held between the heads of state and government of the EU in Brussels, said that a sharp and ill-considered refusal to supply oil and gas from Russia would have catastrophic consequences for the energy supply, the economy of Austria, threatening the destruction of industry and jobs, reports TASS.

In a statement, the head of the association says that the industry supports all the measures that the EU has taken so far against "an offensive war in Ukraine that is contrary to international law." At the same time, it is noted that countries should not jeopardize their own security of energy supply.

“Those who call for an abrupt and unplanned shutdown of oil and gas supplies from Russia must first explain where and how countries like Austria should obtain the necessary energy sources in the short term. Turning off the gas valve overnight would have catastrophic consequences for our daily lives, our energy supply and our economy as a whole,” the statement said.

Knill added that Austria would destroy its industry and jobs with this move. He also noted that in the short term there is no alternative to Russian gas in Austria.

Earlier, the head of the Austrian oil and gas company OMV, Alfred Stern, said that it would be difficult for Europe now to find an alternative gas supplier to replace Russia.