All countries are not, however, housed in the same brand. Sweden has recorded the highest prices at 18.93 euros per 100 kWh, followed by the Netherlands (16.71 euros) and Italy (15.86 euros). Conversely, Hungary (3.20 euros per 100 kWh), Croatia (4.60 euros) and Romania (5.40 euros) recorded the lowest prices.
On an annual basis, six EU countries recorded price increases compared to the second half of 2023. According to Eurostat analysis, these increases are mainly due to tax increases, various tax reductions having been reduced or deleted. On the other hand, 14 EU countries have recorded drops in gas prices, mainly due to the drop in energy and supply costs.
Expressed as standard of purchasing power (SPA), the highest natural gas prices for households were observed in Portugal (16.60), Italy (16.49) and Sweden (16.08). The lowest prices, based on the SPA, were observed in Hungary (4.72), Luxembourg (5.57) and Croatia (6.67).
The European Commission launched, in April 2023, its first call to companies wishing to participate in common gas purchases, in prospect of winter. This process allows European companies to record their gas purchase needs with regard to common purchases at the EU level.
According to Brussels, it is a question of preparing for the winter by renewing the EU gas stock in a coordinated manner and in time useful, and using its collective market power to negotiate better prices with international suppliers.
