Price differentials could occur between February and March on gas market. Countries that continue to consume gas are taking action, especially in terms of storage. In Italy,
controversy over energy costs continues, especially for gas, which still accounts for a third of Italian companies' consumption. Between 2021 and 2024, demand fell, but the fuel remains central to industrial production and household consumption. The storage It is evidently favored by more competitive prices.
The decree of fits into this context Ministry of the Environment which allows for the anticipation of gas auctions. The measure anticipates with 500 million cubic meters available, the saturation of the raw material from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026. From a technical and requirement point of view, the operation facilitates the filling of reserves in the subsequent injection campaign
“This measure – explained the Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin – will avoid the burdens that could arise due to geopolitical tensions and possible speculation. A concrete act to lower the price of gas for citizens and businesses”. Within the storage capacity, gas can also be put into the network for a period of two to five years.
In theory, the benefit for end consumers could last until 2030.
The ministry, in short, has confidence in the ability of natural gas to meet national needs. But the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) dedicates a critical study to the Italian situation, according to which Italy will increase LNG imports by 22% in the first three months of this year. Choices that "ignore the drop in demand" writes the IEEFA. An operation that goes against the energy diversification objectives continuously declared by the government.
