Europe may face gas shortages this winter – forecast
Europe may face natural gas shortages this winter due to disruptions to maintenance schedules for gas platforms and pipelines in Norway.
This is written by the industry publication enkorr with reference to research by Rystad Energy.
The shortfall of 66 million cubic meters per day, forecast by Rystad Energy analysts, is almost a third of the UK’s daily consumption.
It is noted that the forecast comes at a difficult time, as low temperatures are expected in Great Britain and Europe over the next two weeks, which will lead to a sharp increase in gas demand and an early start of the heating season.
If the shortage persists, this could eventually mean higher prices for consumers, which will influence the decisions made when setting the next price cap in the UK.
Rystad said Norway’s state-owned pipeline operator Gassco reported delays as several fields and refineries tried to stop scheduled maintenance or reported unplanned outages.
Meanwhile, Europe also continues to experience reduced gas flows from Algeria, mainly due to scheduled maintenance of the Medgaz pipeline until September 27.
Rystad said in a statement that “announced Russian offensives in the Kursk region have moved within 10 km of the Suja gas compressor station, which pumps gas from Russia to Europe, adding to the risk of damage and supply disruptions.”
