The German city of Hamburg will ration hot water for private homes and limit the maximum heating temperature in the event of a severe shortage of gas, an environmental senator said as Germany prepares for a possible disruption to Russian gas imports.

Last month, Germany moved into the second phase of its three-tier gas emergency plan after Russia cut supplies via the Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline, a step ahead of the government's fuel rationing.

The government is urging citizens and businesses to reduce their energy use and help the country fill its gas storage by winter, but cities are also considering measures if the gas runs out.

“Due to severe gas shortages, hot water can only be supplied at certain times of the day in case of emergency,” Hamburg environmental senator Jens Kerstan told Welt am Sonntag on Saturday.

Kerstan said the city may also consider lowering the overall maximum room temperature in the district heating network.

Households and critical institutions such as hospitals will have priority over industry in the third phase, according to the federal emergency plan, but this may not be everywhere in Hamburg for technical reasons.

“In the event of a gas shortage, it will not be possible everywhere to distinguish between commercial and private consumers,” Kerstan added.

As Germany rushes to find alternative gas routes and LNG supplies as a possibility, the senator warned that the temporary liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in Hamburg will not be operational until the middle of next year.

“During July, we will find out if and at what location a temporary LNG terminal in Hamburg is possible,” he said.

Germany's first two temporary LNG terminals in Wilhelmshaven and Brunsbüttel are to be put into operation later this year, the newspaper said, citing the economy ministry.