EU tells countries to curb energy demand as gas prices face winter squeeze
Energy Commissioner Jørgensen warned capitals that the EU is not facing an immediate gas-security crisis, but it is facing a price-and-supply squeeze that could become more difficult as winter approaches, according to a letter seen by Euronews.
European Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen has urged EU governments to curb energy demand to reduce gas and electricity consumption as storage levels remain exceptionally low. This warning comes as EU gas storage is around 70% full, compared to 12 percentage points below last year's same point. The Dutch TTF, the European benchmark for natural gas prices, is trading at around €72 per MWh, up €40/MWh since the United States and Israel bombed Iran on 28 February.
Analysts are warning of potential spikes above €100/MWh during peak winter if LNG export volumes from the Gulf fail to grow or if Norwegian maintenance prolongs export constraints. Jørgensen suggested measures such as reducing electricity consumption during peak hours, encouraging consumers to shift demand through smart meters and retail tariffs, limiting temperatures in public buildings, restricting outdoor heating, and switching off unnecessary public lighting at night.
Brief written by urgent.news from Euronews's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
