Natural gas is 36 percent more expensive – maintenance and EU policy are to blame

Natural gas prices rose this week, influenced by growing global demand and limited supply.

The price of gas on the US market rose to around $3.10 per British thermal unit (editor's note: unit of measurement for energy or heat). The price has risen over the last month and is almost 36 percent higher than a year ago.

The main factor is the growing demand for liquefied natural gas (LNG), particularly from Europe, which is also expanding the capacity of its LNG terminals.

The increase in LNG demand is a result of declining purchases of pipeline gas from Russia.

At the same time, gas production is growing in the US, with daily deliveries reaching record levels despite technical failures.

In Europe, natural gas prices are hovering around €3.13 per British thermal unit. The situation is influenced by the seasonal transition from summer to fall, as well as by inventories, which remain at a good level, but the market expects possible fluctuations in the coming heating season.

Analysts warn that higher gas prices could lead to rising electricity prices, which would increase pressure on energy costs for households and industry.

(utilidive, sie)