With the winter that continues and an increase in energy demand, the situation of gas supplies In Europe it is reaching a critical point. The storage levels are in fact decreasing, while geopolitical tensions and unfavorable climatic conditions further worsen the situation.
The lowering of the stocks led to an increase in gas prices, also breaking through the roof of 58 €/MWH (euro to megawattora), a value that has not been touched for two years, doubled compared to the beginning of February 2024.
The situation in Europe and Italy
According to the data of the Gie-Agsi platform, on February 8, 2025 the methane reserves in the European Union they went down under the 50% thresholdreaching 49.02%. A strong drop compared to the same period of the previous year, when on February 21, 2024 the reserves were 64.7%.
The decrease in gas supplies caused an increase in prices, with the TTF market in Amsterdam which saw the cost of natural gas climb to 58 euros per MWH. A level that had not been recorded for some time. A rise caused by the increase in demand, due to the rigid climate but also to the reduction of the production of wind energy and the geopolitical tensions. In fact, the Russian gas supplies through Ukrainian gas pipelines interrupted. To these are added the programmed maintenance in Norway and the possible commercial restrictions From the United States, which are further aggravating the situation, pushing European countries to seek alternative solutions to guarantee energy safety.
In Italy, however, the situation seems less black than expected. According to Facile.it, the Italian stocks are 60.94% (121.93 TWH), covering about 18% of the average annual needs of 673.87 TWH. It is an improvement compared to the same period of the previous year, when the stocks were 59.2% (116.61 TWH).
The moves of the European Commission
One of the main strategies that the European Commission is evaluating is the disabling the cost of electricity from gas. This measure has the aim of reducing bills for end consumers, protecting them from dizzying increases in gas prices. This practice would allow to stabilize the price of electricity, anchored to diversified production costs.
The question of the duties on imports announced by the President of the United States, Donald Trump, who could have significant effects on the global energy market. The introduction of 25% rates on steel and aluminum, together with the possible application of duties also on the EU, risks increasing the costs of the imports of liquefied natural gas in Europe. In this context, the United States represent the main supplier.
