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
21 April 2026
After overcoming a COVID-induced demand collapse with several years of successful market management, geopolitical events have conspired to provide the pact’s biggest test to date
21 April 2026
The regime’s policy of using nuclear ambiguity as a deterrent may have failed but it has realised it has other cards to play, while its neighbours are reappraising their approach to security
21 April 2026
As the global energy system undergoes a fundamental realignment, Algihaz Holdings has established itself as a critical player bridging conventional energy markets and the next generation of renewable infrastructure.
21 April 2026
The 25th WPC Energy Congress is taking place from 11-15 October 2026 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center.






