Europe is at risk of energy rationing this winter, particularly if cold weather coincides with resurgent economic demand in China, the head of the world’s watchdog for the sector has warned.

In some of the toughest comments yet about the possible scope of energy shortages in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Fatih Birol, executive director of the International Energy Agency, said rationing could be introduced for industrial gas users and others if steps were not taken quickly to improve efficiency.

“If we have a harsh winter and a long winter and if we do not take [demand side measures]?.?.?.?I wouldn’t exclude the rationing of natural gas in Europe, starting from the large industry facilities,” he said in an interview with the Financial Times.