Commodities

EU Slashed Winter Gas Demand by Almost 20%, Beating Its Target

  • Demand reductions helped the bloc cope with less Russian gas
  • Commission to consult whether to extend 15% demand cut goal
Europe's Energy Nightmare Has Only Just Begun
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The European Union slashed its gas demand this winter by almost a fifth, beating a voluntary 15% goal that was made to help it survive the heating season with much lower Russian flows.

The bloc’s consumption between August and January was 19% below the average of the previous five years, according to data published by Eurostat on Tuesday. Finland saw the biggest drop — with usage more than halving — with demand rising in only Malta and Slovakia.