There is still no agreement on the gas price ceiling. Even before the EU energy ministers meeting, it is clear that the gap between countries is huge.
Despite a compromise proposed by the Commission, EU countries still cannot agree on a price cap for gas purchases. “In summary, it can be said that not everyone is somehow satisfied with the Commission’s proposal,” said Sven Giegold, Germany’s Minister of State for Economic Affairs, shortly before the special meeting of energy ministers began in Brussels.
And also: “There’s still a lot of work to be done.” There are differing opinions among Member States. Czech Industry Minister Jozef Sikela, who is leading the negotiations, said he expects “sharp discussions”.
It’s all about it: gas price ceilings in the TTF
The EU Commission proposed to set an upper limit on the price of gas sold on the TTF trading platform under certain conditions. This will affect large customers who trade there. More than half of EU countries support such a ceiling price.
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During the energy crisis, the EU Commission proposed an upper limit for the increase in wholesale gas prices. This should only come into effect under strict conditions – if the price on the European gas exchange (TTF) in the Netherlands is higher than 275 euros per megawatt hour for two weeks. At the same time, the price must be at least 58 euros above the global reference price for liquid gas for ten days. The TTF price is currently around 100 euros per megawatt hour. For a short time in the summer it was over 300 euros.
Germany criticizes gas price ceiling
Countries such as Italy, France, Belgium, Malta and Poland do not find the proposal sufficient. “After weeks of discussion and suggestions, this is a joke for us,” said Polish Environment Minister Anna Moskwa. Belgian Minister Tinne Van der Straeten adds: “This Commission proposal should be discussed in detail and the text should be improved.”
A second, smaller group, led by Germany, often criticizes a cover. “It’s important for us not to get the markets confused, but instead to tackle the causes of the high prices,” Giegold said. This is due to dependence on Russian gas, gas shortages and high consumption. States that criticize the gas price ceiling are warning against distribution wars. “We definitely want to avoid that,” Giegold said.
Other topics: Common gas and solar systems
Luxembourg Minister Claude Turmes called for calm: “Let’s be cool,” he said. “We have one month to get this cow out of the ice,” Turmes said of the next energy ministers meeting in December.
At their ministerial meetings, they will also discuss measures to accelerate joint gas purchases and solar and other renewable energy approvals.
The debate over the gas price ceiling continues. An analysis:
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Source: ZDF
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