18 countries affected by Russia-Ukraine gas row

Russian gas flows via Ukraine were stopped for a fourth straight day on Saturday, affecting at least 18 countries, including Germany.

Among those hit were Austria, which relies on Russian gas for 60 per cent of its annual demand. France, Turkey, Italy and Greece were also hit.

Gas shipments to Europe via Ukraine have been massively reduced since early on Tuesday.

Energy firms warned of gas shortages if the dispute lasted much longer and sub-zero temperatures endured.

Serbia was one of those worst hit. Thousands of people were without heating after the country ran out of gas on January 6.

Italy's Economic Development Minister Claudio Scajola said on Thursday Italy had enough gas stocks to last two months and see it through the winter.

Hungary eased restrictions on some large industrial gas consumers from Thursday morning to conserve gas.