Letter from Europe: Retail gas market intervention safer than wholesale
The EU’s proposals to cap wholesale gas prices could result in unintended consequences
The European Commission has an impossible task: to advance a legislative proposal that seeks to limit upside to gas prices without simultaneously endangering security of supply. Any price cap is market distortionary by nature and entails very significant risks as it can limit Europe’s ability to attract LNG. Additionally, a cap set at or below market prices could curtail the market’s ability to trigger the demand reductions necessary to inject enough gas into storage over the course of next summer in preparation for winter 2023–24. As a result, there are only two ways in which a price cap could be implemented while still limiting its dangers to Europe’s security of supply. One option would b
Also in this section
1 April 2026
Golden Pass’s startup offers QatarEnergy a timely boost but may also force a difficult choice between honouring disrupted contracts and capitalising on soaring spot LNG prices
1 April 2026
It is not a case of if or when, but the length and magnitude of economic damage from elevated oil prices
1 April 2026
The US-Iran conflict demonstrates the need for diversification in several senses of the word. It also exposes the limits of Washington applying pressure on major oil and gas producers it considers geopolitical adversaries
31 March 2026
Disappointing results in its bidding round are a reality check for Libya, and global exploration generally






