Futures prices for natural gas on the Dutch TTF at the beginning of trading on Friday set a new all-time record, reaching 44.41 euros per MWh. Compared to the previous day's close, prices rose 3.5%. This is evidenced by the trading data.
When translated into values more understandable to the average person, the price of gas is 557 dollars per thousand cubic meters, or about 18,000 hryvnia per cubic meter of fuel (including VAT). Let us remind you that today gas in Ukraine is traded much cheaper - by about 1,500 - 2,000 hryvnias. The spread is at a record high and continues to grow, as gas prices in Ukraine are becoming more expensive than in Europe.
Since the beginning of the year, gas in Europe has risen in price by 2.2 times, and compared to August last year, the price has increased by 5.6 times.
Gas prices are growing amid reduced supplies from Russia, low storage capacity, high demand and minimal supplies of liquefied natural gas (LNG) due to the fact that Asia is taking all the gas, another one has been overcome.
According to the Austrian Energy Agency, local gas storage facilities are currently only 30 percent full, while on average they are two-thirds full. In Germany, gas supplies are also well below the norm.
Gas supplies to Europe through Yamal have decreased, which is associated with the accident at the Gazprom plant. At the same time, Gazprom used all previously booked capacities and showed no interest in additional transit capacities across Ukraine.
“Gazprom's behavior has a negative impact on the European gas market and affects the economy of the entire region. In my opinion, the relevant European antimonopoly authority should intervene in the situation. In addition, such a strategy should be taken into account by the Russian company when certifying Nord Stream-2, ”said Sergey Makogon, General Director of the Ukrainian GTS Operator.
