The natural gas market in Europe is boiling again. Prices go over the limit again. 50 Euros per megawattSuch levels have not been seen since October 2023. Cold air isn’t the only factor: the blockade of Russian gas transit to Ukraine is further exasperating the sector. These long-planned shutdowns are forcing European countries to strengthen emergency energy plans.
Italian stocks are safe, but the price promises surprises.
For now, Italy can sleep well: Deposits are solid. “Reserves are sufficient and we are taking steps to maximize storage and face the winter peacefully”, explained the Environment Minister. Gilberto Pachito. But the bill (not just for that reason, but in light of the budget just passed) may tell another story. The dependence of our energy system on global market fluctuations is a source of uncertainty.
Meanwhile, a new one is expected nave rigassificatrice a Ravenna: An important step towards increasing imports of liquefied natural gas and putting the country in an advantageous position for any future disruptions. The plan, which is part of a broader plan to diversify energy sources, is considered strategic and cost-effective for the time being.
Between speculation and weather, prices fly.
Cold is another part of this complex puzzle. Davide Tabarelli, president of Nomisma Energia, pointed the finger. Geopolitics e Market speculation. The surprise failure to renew the agreement between Russia and Ukraine weighs heavily, pushing demand beyond the limit. It includes Stress Linked to international political instability, which often affects the markets in ways no one can imagine.
Even me Alternative gas flowLike those in Norway and the United States, doing their part to keep prices low. However, the speed with which these changes are implemented is critical to avoid further shocks.
Arrera highlighted that Bill K LoosLinked to the price of gas, the damage will be a An increase of 18.2 percent in the first quarter of 2025 For users with more protection. It concerns around 3.4 million users, including over 75s and social bonus recipients.
The end of the era of Russian gas in Europe
January 1, 2025 marked, as mentioned earlier, the end of a chapter: Russia stopped passing through Ukraine. An expected event, but still symbolic and worth watching more.
“European infrastructure is ready to host gas from alternative sources thanks to new LNG import capacities,” a European Commission spokesperson said. Gazprom (which recently cut gas supplies to Moldova) will, meanwhile, have to deal with it. Loss of billions. on the other hand, Ukraine gives about one billion dollars. per annum in transit charges. To compensate for this, costs for domestic consumers will increase significantly.
Ukraine, as reported by Reuters, emphasized that the suspension of Russian gas traffic represented a historic turning point. We have stopped the delivery of Russian gas. This is a historic event,” said Energy Minister German Galushenko.
Meanwhile, countries like Austria e Slovakia They have already organized themselves with alternative goods taking advantage of new routes. But the European market, after absorbing decades of Russian dominance, is now moving towards a very different configuration. The Soviet pipeline era certainly appears to be coming to an end.
