ROME (AP) -- An energy official says the amount of Russian gas flowing to Italy is increasing again after days of reduced deliveries prompted the Italian government to order emergency measures.

The gas shortage comes amid a spell of unusual cold across Europe that has pushed gas usage to a record high in Italy.

Gianni Di Giovanni, communications director for the Italian energy company ENI, said Tuesday that gas deliveries from Russia are slowly increasing, raising hopes that the gas shortage will end soon.

Separately, ENI says the delivery of gas from Russia was 16 to 17 percent less than normal, an improvement after days of being down 21 percent.

The government ordered emergency measures Monday, including turning to oil-burning power plants to cut the demand for gas.

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The government ordered emergency measures Monday, including turning to oil-burning power plants to cut the demand for gas.