European countries disagree on gas price cap

European countries disagree on gas price cap

The 27 countries of the European Union (EU) held emergency negotiations this Saturday, December 10. The aim is to reach an agreement on the gas price cap by the meeting of energy ministers on Tuesday 13 December. But, according to Reuters, three days before the deadline, the States remain divided on the project.

Member States of the European Union (EU) been talking for months a gas price cap, but opinions always diverge. The latest draft proposal, examined by the countries and which the Reuters news agency was able to consult, provides for the triggering of the cap if prices exceed 220 euros per megawatt hour for five days on a reference contract.

A limit would also be imposed for liquefied natural gas, if prices are 35 euros higher than a reference amount.

The cap is already lower than the limit of 275 euros per megawatt-hour proposed by the European Commission, but, according to Reuters, no less than 12 of the 27 EU member states have circulated a document calling for a cap “ clearly ” inferior. Among them, there is Belgium, Italy, Poland, Romania and Greece.

At the same time, countries in favor of a cap to protect themselves from soaring energy costs, Germany – largest gas market in Europe – and the Netherlands opposed it. These two countries fear that this will deter producers from supplying Europe.

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