Since the start of the war in Ukraine, EU countries have tried to become less dependent on Russian raw materials. For example, they get more gas from Norway, but also consume less. The weather helped – it was much hotter than usual in October and November so the heating didn’t have to be used as often.
According to the ICIS research agency, this is also reflected in the consumption of the largest gas consumers in Europe. Our eastern neighbors consumed 23 percent less in November than the average of the last five years, while Italians burned 21 percent less. France and Spain recorded similar decreases. Gas consumption in the Netherlands has been declining by a quarter to a third for months now.
In addition to the mild autumn weather, the high price of gas also plays a role, according to the ICIS researchers. Although the price of gas has fallen sharply in recent months, it is still well above the average for recent years. The high price discourages gas consumption.
