Warning that EU will face difficult winters because of gas

Calls are increasing for a border across the EU on gas prices and its secession from the price of electricity.

Russia, which supplied the EU with 40% of its gas last year, has limited supplies.

Belgian Energy Minister Tinne Van der Straeten wrote on Twitter that gas prices in Europe should be raised urgently, adding that the link between gas prices and electricity is artificial and must be reformed.

The next ten winters will be terrible if we don't do anything,” she said. “ ”

Electricity prices have also been on the rise in Europe and reached record levels this week. Gas is the main source of electricity production.

In Germany, the contract of a year ago for electricity reached 995 $ (844), $97 ($99, U.S.) for megawatts hours Friday, while in France it rose to $1,130. This represents a more than tenfold increase in both countries from last year, the AFP news agency notes.

“We need to stop this madness happening now in energy markets,” said Austria's Chancellor Carl Nehammer.

Electricity prices should be lowered, he said, calling on the EU to cut power and gas prices.

“We cannot allow Russian President Vladimir Putin to determine the European electricity price daily,” he added.

Germany, the biggest Russian gas importer in 2020, has competed to strengthen its pre-winter gas reserves, despite Russia cutting supplies.

Its aim is to fill its gas capacity at 85% by October. To do that, it has implemented measures to save energy.

Economy Minister Robert Habeck said such measures, along with the purchase of gas from alternative suppliers, had enabled Germany to meet its goal sooner than anticipated.

He estimated that the 85% target could be achieved by early September. /a2news.al/