empty
InstaForex - Official partner of Dragon Racing
InstaForex - Official partner of Dragon Racing
This section is designed for those who are just starting their trading journey. InstaForex educational and analytical materials will meet your training needs. Our experts' recommendations will make your first steps to trading success simple and clear.
Start as Beginner
How to start trading
Useful information
Training and recordings
InstaForex innovative services are an essential element of productive investment. We strive to provide our clients with advanced technical capabilities and make their trading routine comfortable as we are recognized as the best broker in this regard.
Become Investor
PAMM System
ForexCopy System
Passive investments
Partnership with InstaForex is beneficial and top-tier. Join our affiliate programs and enjoy bonuses, partner rewards, and the possibility to travel with the team of the world-renowned brand.
Become Partner
Main Page
Partner Area
Advantages for Affiliates
Registration
This section contains the most lucrative offers from InstaForex. Receive bonuses when topping up an account, compete with other traders, and get real prizes even when trading in a demo account.
All Promo Campaigns
Bonuses
Contests
Events
Holidays with InstaForex are not only pleasant but also useful. We offer a one-stop portal, numerous forums, and corporate blogs, where traders can exchange experiences and become successfully integrated into the Forex community.
Full details
Forums
We are in social networks
Forex humour
Forex Portal
InstaForex is an international brand created in 2007. The company provides services for online FX trading and is recognized as one of the world's leading brokers. We have won the trust of more than 7,000,000 retail traders, who have already appreciated our reliability and focus on innovations.
Learn More
History
Why Choose Us
InstaSport
Regulation
Company News
Awards
InstaForex Stars
InstaForex Offline
Headquarters
Key documents
Social Responsibility
31.01.2025 12:49 AM
Why Is Gas Becoming More Expensive?
Open trading account Open demo account

Gas prices are rising again. The benchmark Dutch TTF gas contract has surged to €52.37 per megawatt-hour, marking its highest level since October 2023. Given the current fundamental backdrop, this upward trend is likely to continue.

This image is no longer relevant

Firstly, weather conditions are driving an increase in gas prices as temperatures are getting colder in Europe. According to the mid-term forecast, starting Friday, temperatures will gradually decrease. In Germany, for instance, nighttime temperatures are expected to drop to minus 5-6 degrees Celsius, while daytime temperatures will range from 2-5 degrees Celsius. Next week, Central Europe can expect daytime temperatures to fall to 0-1 degrees Celsius, with several capitals experiencing temperatures below zero. This indicates a significant rise in demand for heating in the coming days.

Additionally, forecasters predict a decrease in wind strength, which will lead to reduced energy output from wind turbines. This expected decline in wind power generation will further contribute to the rising cost of natural gas.

Secondly, gas prices are also increasing due to the suspension of operations at three Norwegian gas fields. Recently, the Norwegian gas operator Gassco reported several unplanned shutdowns at the Troll, Karsto, and Asgard fields, which are experiencing technological issues that could significantly impact production levels.

The third reason for concern is the significant outflow of gas from European storage facilities. According to Gas Infrastructure Europe, European gas storages are currently 55.25% full. For comparison, at the end of January last year, these storages were filled to 72%. The current level for 2024 is comparable to the end of the gas withdrawal season (March 31), when 58.44% of reserves remained in storage. Although the withdrawal rate has slowed down in recent weeks due to milder temperatures and windy weather, the situation could change soon with expected colder weather on the horizon.

Is a 55.25% occupancy rate of gas storage facilities substantial or minimal? In Germany, there is a law that requires gas storage operators to ensure that their facilities are at least 30% full by February 1 each year. This level of filling is deemed adequate to conclude the heating season without interruptions by March 31, allowing for sufficient gas storage refilling during the summer months for the upcoming fall and winter. Therefore, the current level of gas storage in Europe (55.25%) is not critical. In Germany, specifically, gas storage facilities are filled to 57%. According to projections, even in the worst-case scenario—such as extremely severe cold weather—the reserves of natural gas are expected to reduce to about 20% by April.

The situation described is primarily theoretical, while the market is focused on the facts. Currently, the data indicates that the reserves in EU gas storage facilities are declining more rapidly this fall-winter season than in previous years. Notably, on January 29, 2024, the EU's gas storage facilities were reported to be 75% full. Analysts believe this decline is due to a combination of factors: the termination of Ukrainian gas transit, lower temperatures, and prolonged periods of calm weather.

These factors are expected to continue influencing the market in the medium term, which suggests that upward price pressure will persist. For instance, supply uncertainty remains a significant issue. Reports indicate that there are currently no substantial negotiations regarding the transit of Azerbaijani gas through Ukraine. Additionally, experts note that for Azerbaijan to significantly increase its gas exports to Europe, it must either boost production or redistribute its existing domestic consumption.

As a result, the current information background points toward a potential increase in the price of "blue fuel", expected to reach a range of 55-60 euros.

Irina Manzenko,
Analytical expert of InstaForex
© 2007-2025
Select timeframe
5
min
15
min
30
min
1
hour
4
hours
1
day
1
week
Earn on cryptocurrency rate changes with InstaForex
Download MetaTrader 4 and open your first trade
All Analytics
Trading plan
EUR/USD: Trading Plan for the U.S. Session on May 7th (Review of Morning Trades) In my morning forecast, I highlighted the 1.1379 level and planned to base market entry decisions around it. Let's look at the 5-minute chart to understand what happened. A rise
Miroslaw Bawulski
19:36 2025-05-07 +02:00
1015
Fundamental analysis
USD/JPY. Analysis and Forecast Today, the Japanese yen reached a new daily low, which contributed to the rise of the USD/JPY pair to nearly the 143.50 level. This increase is driven by positive global
Irina Yanina
19:33 2025-05-07 +02:00
1015
Breaking Forecast Trading Plan Cryptocurrencies USD/RUB Russian Economy Video Analysis
Trading Instruments
EURUSD GBPUSD USDCHF USDCAD USDJPY AUDUSD EURGBP EURJPY NZDUSD EURNZD Silver Gold #CL #USDX COVID-19 Bitcoin
  • Grand Choice
    Contest by
    InstaForex
    InstaForex always strives to help you
    fulfill your biggest dreams.
    JOIN CONTEST

Recommended Stories

USD/JPY. Analysis and Forecast

Today, the Japanese yen reached a new daily low, which contributed to the rise of the USD/JPY pair to nearly the 143.50 level. This increase is driven by positive global
Irina Yanina 19:33 2025-05-07 UTC+2

NZD/USD. Analysis and Forecast

The NZD/USD pair is pulling back from a more than two-week high in the 0.6025–0.6030 level. Currently, the quotes have fallen below the psychological level of 0.6000, signaling a pause
Irina Yanina 19:31 2025-05-07 UTC+2

U.S. Trade Deficit Hits Record High in March

The euro responded with an increase following the news that the U.S. trade deficit rose to a record level in March this year, as companies rushed to import goods, including
Jakub Novak 10:48 2025-05-07 UTC+2

Markets Will Not Be Dictated To

The market's eyes have finally opened. Donald Trump is not the kind of president who would lower tariffs in response to reciprocal reductions from other countries. The occupant
Marek Petkovich 09:56 2025-05-07 UTC+2

Is It Worth Hoping for a Strong Market Rally? (There is a high probability of continued growth in #SPX and #NDX)

Equity markets have improved, demand for cryptocurrencies has risen, yet gold prices dropped sharply after a local rally. Meanwhile, the U.S. dollar has remained almost unchanged against major currencies
Pati Gani 09:28 2025-05-07 UTC+2

USD/JPY: Is Further Decline Inevitable?

The Bank of Japan left its monetary policy unchanged during the monetary policy meeting on May 1. In the "Outlook for Economic Activity and Prices" report, the Bank lowered
Kuvat Raharjo 09:28 2025-05-07 UTC+2

Gold Returns to Growth

Gold has resumed its upward movement as investors analyzed trade-related comments from U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent while awaiting the Federal Reserve's decision on interest rates. Bessent recently stated that
Jakub Novak 09:14 2025-05-07 UTC+2

What to Pay Attention to on May 7? A Breakdown of Fundamental Events for Beginners

Very few macroeconomic events are scheduled for Wednesday, and in any case, they are unlikely to have any meaningful impact on either of the currency pairs. The euro remains
Paolo Greco 06:55 2025-05-07 UTC+2

GBP/USD Overview – May 7: Trump Didn't Get a Call from China, Had to Back Down

On Tuesday, while the euro remained stuck in a flat trend, the GBP/USD currency pair began a new upward move. The rally started on Monday, but during the U.S. session
Paolo Greco 03:35 2025-05-07 UTC+2

EUR/USD Overview – May 7: The Fed Meeting Becomes the Dollar's New "Headache"

The EUR/USD currency pair continued to trade strictly sideways on Tuesday. The broader flat market has now lasted for nearly a month, and in addition to that, the market seems
Paolo Greco 03:35 2025-05-07 UTC+2

Top analytics

Relevance up to 03:00 2025-05-08 UTC--4
EUR/USD – May 7th: Bulls Are Reversing the Trend
10:56 2025-05-07
Technical analysis
Relevance up to 03:00 2025-05-08 UTC--4
Gold Returns to Growth
09:14 2025-05-07
Fundamental analysis
Relevance up to 20:00 2025-05-07 UTC--4
EUR/USD Overview – May 7: The Fed Meeting Becomes the Dollar's New "Headache"
03:35 2025-05-07
Fundamental analysis
Relevance up to 20:00 2025-05-07 UTC--4
GBP/USD Overview – May 7: Trump Didn't Get a Call from China, Had to Back Down
03:35 2025-05-07
Fundamental analysis
Relevance up to 00:00 2025-05-08 UTC--4
What to Pay Attention to on May 7? A Breakdown of Fundamental Events for Beginners
06:55 2025-05-07
Fundamental analysis
Can't speak right now?
Ask your question in the chat.
Widget callback
Callback widget
 

Dear visitor,

Your IP address shows that you are currently located in the USA. If you are a resident of the United States, you are prohibited from using the services of InstaFintech Group including online trading, online transfers, deposit/withdrawal of funds, etc.

If you think you are seeing this message by mistake and your location is not the US, kindly proceed to the website. Otherwise, you must leave the website in order to comply with government restrictions.

Why does your IP address show your location as the USA?

  • - you are using a VPN provided by a hosting company based in the United States;
  • - your IP does not have proper WHOIS records;
  • - an error occurred in the WHOIS geolocation database.

Please confirm whether you are a US resident or not by clicking the relevant button below. If you choose the wrong option, being a US resident, you will not be able to open an account with InstaForex anyway.

We are sorry for any inconvenience caused by this message.