The reduction in gas demand in the EU in the period from August 2022 to January 2023 was achieved by 19%, amounting to 41.5 billion cubic meters.
The Council of the EU on Monday, March 4, announced that it had reached a political agreement with member states to recommend the continuation of coordinated reductions in gas demand in the European Union.
“We have come a long way since 2022, taking coordinated action across the EU and responding quickly to the energy crisis. The political agreement reached today shows our commitment to remain prepared for any supply disruption and ensure a safe winter for our citizens and industry,” said the Energy Minister. Belgian Presidency of the EU Council Tinne Van der Straten.
According to the council, gas demand in the EU fell by 19% between August 2022 and January 2023, amounting to 41.5 billion cubic meters.
“Even if the security of supply in the EU has improved, a further reduction in demand is still needed to ensure sufficient gas supplies for next winter,” the communiqué issued in Brussels said.
Brussels believes that the situation with gas supplies in the EU has improved significantly since 2022, including thanks to measures to reduce gas demand based on the relevant regulation, adopted as an emergency instrument in 2022. In March 2023, it was extended until the end of March 2024 to ensure continuity of supply and contain price volatility.
“However, despite the general improvement in the supply situation, according to the commission’s latest reports, the situation in the global gas markets remains tense. Therefore, with the demand reduction regulations set to expire soon period, member states want to remain prepared for any possible disruption of gas supplies.” , explained the EU Council.
To do this, the document notes, stocks in EU collective storage facilities must remain at a sufficiently high level throughout the winter.
Thanks to the political agreement of the council on March 4, “member states are encouraged to continue to reduce gas consumption until March 31, 2025, by at least 15% compared to the average gas consumption during the period from April 1, 2017 to March 31, 2022.”
The political agreement reached must be formally approved by the EU Council. This is expected to happen “later in March 2024.”
Earlier on Monday it became known that the European Commission does not plan to participate in any contacts with Russia to continue the transit of gas to European countries through the Ukrainian gas transportation system. European officials will take the necessary steps to completely get rid of Russian gas.
Shmygal named a condition for the extension of gas transit from the Russian Federation
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Source: korrespondent
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.