repubblica.it
European Gas Market Faces Tightness in 2025, but Relief Expected by 2026
Europe's natural gas market faces continued tightness in 2025 due to increased demand, absent Russian supply, and delayed LNG projects; however, new projects coming online by the end of 2025 and 2026 are expected to ease the situation.
- How has the reliance on LNG impacted European gas markets, and what role have storage levels played in price dynamics?
- While LNG has mitigated the impact of Gazprom's cuts, it has also exposed Europe to LNG price volatility due to the imbalance between supply and demand, especially from competing Asian markets. Lower-than-expected gas storage levels (15% below last year) further exacerbate this, resulting in a flat price spread between summer and winter.
- What are the primary factors contributing to the anticipated tightness in Europe's natural gas market in 2025, and what are the immediate consequences for consumers?
- Europe's natural gas market will remain tight in 2025 due to persistent high demand, the absence of Russian gas, and delays in new LNG supply from mega-projects in Qatar and the USA. This will cause difficulties for European consumers, according to Eni's COO.
- What long-term trends and developments are expected to influence the European gas market beyond 2025, and how is Eni positioning itself within this evolving landscape?
- Despite the current challenges, the situation is expected to ease by the end of 2025, when several LNG projects totaling 43 million tons per year will come online. Further projects are slated for 2026, with Eni positioning itself as a key LNG operator in Asia, bolstering its global role and securing Europe's energy supply through diversified sourcing and production.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing emphasizes the challenges and difficulties facing European consumers, highlighting the price volatility and potential for continued high prices. While the eventual increase in LNG supply is mentioned, it's presented more as a distant solution rather than an immediate positive. The headline (if there were one) would likely reflect this emphasis on the negative aspects.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral. However, phrases like "months will be difficult for consumers" and describing the situation as "tense" contribute to a somewhat negative tone. More neutral alternatives might include "months will present challenges" or "the market is experiencing a period of adjustment.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the perspective of Guido Brusco, COO of Eni's Global Natural Resources. While it mentions the impact on consumers and the role of government intervention (Minister Pichetto's decree), it lacks alternative viewpoints from other energy experts, consumer advocacy groups, or representatives from competing energy companies. This omission limits the reader's ability to fully assess the complexity of the situation and potential alternative solutions.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplified view of the gas market, focusing primarily on the tension between supply and demand without fully exploring the nuances of geopolitical factors, technological innovations (e.g., renewable energy sources), or potential policy interventions that could influence the market beyond simply increased LNG supply.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article discusses the challenges and solutions related to Europe's natural gas supply, directly impacting the affordability and accessibility of clean energy. The discussion of LNG projects, storage levels, and price volatility is central to ensuring a stable and affordable energy supply. Solutions like the gas storage auction anticipation aim to mitigate price increases and improve energy security. The focus on LNG imports and diversification of supply sources, particularly from Africa and the Middle East, also contributes to energy security and affordability in the long term.