(Dec 19): Natural gas prices in Europe have fallen close to levels not seen since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Years of elevated costs have hollowed out parts of Europe’s industrial core, and even the lowest seasonal gas prices since 2020 aren’t enough to reopen shuttered factories. Despite the recent gas price decrease, the company said its structural challenges have either persisted or intensified since. The loss of so many industrial consumers means Europe’s underlying demand remains weak even with current benchmark gas prices of about €27 a megawatt-hour. Europe’s energy crisis did accelerate the rise of renewables, providing an alternative to gas-fired power.

Source: The Edge Markets December 19, 2025 10:20 UTC