The EU is asking its citizens to drive less, turn down air conditioning and work from home three days a week, to reduce reliance on Russian energy

The measures, drawn up with the International Energy Agency, would save a typical household €450 (£375) a year.

Buying energy from Russia helps to support its economy and finance the war in Ukraine.

But Europe has said it cannot find alternative supplies, so it is asking citizens to adjust their lifestyles.

The nine-point plan, entitled “Playing My Part”, urges citizens to drive less, by using public transport, or working from home three days a week. 

It also calls on citizens to: 

Heat their homes less in winter, and turn the air conditioning down in summer.

Drive more slowly on highways, with the car air conditioning turned down, which uses less fuel

Use the train instead of flying

Travel by public transport, walk, or cycle

It also calls on cities to promote car-free Sundays, as some already do.

Faced with the horrendous scenes of human suffering that we’ve seen following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, people in Europe want to take action,” said Fatih Birol, executive director of the IEA.