Members of the European Union have agreed to voluntarily cut their gas use by 15 percent to prepare for possible disruptions of supplies from Russia.

Energy ministers on Tuesday agreed to reduce the use between August and next March based on a proposal by the European Commission.

EU Commissioner Kadri Simson told reporters that "there was consensus around the table that we need to get ready for the worst."

Simson said "the most crucial outcome is that we will start saving gas now, and that we have a blueprint to act together in a coordinated way if the situation worsens."

The proposal called for a mandatory cut when there is a risk of severe gas shortage.
Some members opposed to giving the EU such power.

The EU decided to exempt island nations that are not connected to other members' gas networks from the 15-percent cut.

Others will also be exempt or subject to smaller cuts depending on the situation.

Before the meeting, a diplomat of a member state said the regional bloc is aware that Russia and the rest of the world are watching.

Despite exemptions, the EU managed for the most part to show unity among its members.