Of Chrysostom Chufi

120 additional LNG ships should reach European ports in the summer in order for the old continent to replenish its natural gas reserves that are rapidly receding rapidly. Based on today’s prices we are talking about an extra cost exceeding € 6 billion.

On January 22, European stocks were in 59%. Yesterday, 20 days later, they had retreated to 48% Due to the cold winter that increases consumption (since the lack of air and sunshine do not allow for large quantities of electricity from RES) but also the smaller quantities that enter the European system as the Russian gas coming through Ukraine have been lost. Last year at such a time the European stocks were in the 75% and in 79% the 2023.

Countries below average include:

  • France with 29.3%
  • The Netherlands with 33%
  • Belgium with 34.8%
  • Denmark with 41.5%
  • Germany with 47.8%
  • The Czech Republic with 47.9%

At these rhythms, according to many analyzes, at the end of March we are very likely to be somewhere in 35% While last year we were 23 units above the 58%. If they prove to be true, Europe will go on the market to buy an additional 12-14 billion cubic meters to fill its warehouses for the winter of 2025. Such a quantity is roughly equivalent to 120 LNG tankers.

Markets are smelled blood and gas prices on the Netherlands Stock Exchange have been ejected and Over 58 €/MWh from 30.5 € last yearan increase 90%. At almost the same level, between 55-56 €/MHW, future summer contracts are negotiated.

Brussels were overwhelmed by anxiety with the FTs arguing that the Commission It examines prices retention measures, including ceiling, which are expected to be announced on February 26th. Although the design is still on a theoretical level, the energy industries rushed to react by letter to their Ursula von der Layen warning of destruction of trust in the European market.

The issue that arises also has significant political implications.

Donald Trump “rubs his … hands”

From 2018 to 2023 the USA tried The share of LNG exports to Europe from 15% to 45%.

In 2024, however, Europe bought 12.7m. Tons less – which was certainly not liked by the new US president. But now there is a glorious field for business, with Europe having much greater needs and the US ready for even greater exports with the operation of 2 new terminal stations. Plaquemines lng In Louisiana and his Corpus christi lng In Texas. In the direction of further ‘Tightening’ Relationships will also be the threat of Trump to impose tariffs on European products.

Certainly the tighter energy “embrace” With the US he does not find them all in agreement. The reports, including the FTs, are not accidental for discussions between European officials, including Germans and Hungarians, to resume the traditions of Russian gas through Ukraine. In this way they argue that Europe too will not be completely dependent on the US and could be a motivation For the Russians to end the war with Ukraine.