The Israeli attack on the Iranian military leaders and nuclear sites caused a war between the two countries, destabilizing the Middle East and therefore the energy markets. Oil, but above all the gasis undergoing the direct consequences of this war. The European markets, dependent on gas imports from the Gulf countries, are particularly sensitive.
The gas has reached and passed i 38 euros at megawattora On the Amsterdam market, that of reference, growing by 1.6% in a few hours. A leap that could have effect on summer bills, but also on those of next winter.
Increases the price of the gas, bills at risk
An increase in the price of the gas could lead to a growth in the cost of theelectricityespecially in this period. In fact, many parts of Italy are undergoing a wave of anomalous heat, which led to a peak of consumption for cooling the buildings. An increase in energy costs right now could therefore weigh a lot on consumers.
The first effects of consumption were seen on the weekend of 14 and 15 June in Turin, where several have occurred blackout on days with temperatures that have reached 35 degrees.
The consumers who have chosen are above all exposed Variable price rateswhich are more influenced by market fluctuations. Thanks to the free market, however, it is always possible to change your contract or the electricity supplier in a few days, to defend yourself from the increases.
Because winter bills are also at risk
In addition to electricity bills, a peak of the price of the gas in the summer months could also have effect on winter. In June, July and August, in fact, when the heating of practically every building in Italy are off, our country however acquires large quantities of natural gas to fill their own stocks.
A very important operation especially in 2025, given that in winter the level of filling the gas stocks has fallen below 35%. If the prices of the gas were to increase a lot in the summer months, this would involve greater difficulty in making up for any gas demand peaks in winter.
In this way, paradoxically, an increase in prices in the middle of summer could end up affecting consumers months later, in the colder periods of the year.
The war in the Middle East and the price of the gas
The reason why the war between Israel and Iran is causing this uncertainty is not as simple as it appears. Iran does not export oil or gas to Europe and the attacks on its energy infrastructures do not directly involve an interruption of supplies.
However, the markets react, however, by purchasing a lot of gas and oil due to the strategic position of Iran. The country in fact controls it Strait of Hormuzwhich connects the Persian Gulf to the rest of the world. Countries like the Arab Emirates, the Qatar And the Kuwait depend on this passage to export their oil and natural gas to the world.
If Iran should block the Strait, it could cause a world energy crisis. Italy It is particularly exposed to this danger. In 2024, 44% of the natural gas imported from our country came from Qatar, following the agreements that have been able to stand at the end of the supplies from Russia.
