European natural gas prices have risen sharply for the first time in almost three weeks. The risk of conflict over Ukraine is increasing, threatening European supply.
In the European commodity market on the 24th, the index gas futures price temporarily rose by 20%, recording the highest rate of increase since the 4th of this month.Goldman Sachs GroupHe pointed out that if the situation in Ukraine deteriorates and the submarine pipeline “Nord Stream 2” connecting Russia and Germany is subject to sanctions, the supply of Russian gas to Europe may decrease “indefinitely”. Prices could reach record levels, he said.
The US State Department announced on the 23rd that it has ordered the family of embassy staff stationed in Ukraine to leave the country because of “the threat of military activities by Russia”. Following this, the British government also said that it would evacuate some embassy staff and families from Kiev, the capital of Ukraine, and that the German government is also supporting the departure of embassy families.
The New York Times (NYT) reports that US President Joe Biden is considering sending troops to Eastern Europe and the Baltic states, and tensions are rising.
U.S. Ukrainian embassy family evacuated-Russian military threat (3)
news-rsf-original-reference paywall">Original title:
news-rsf-original-reference paywall">Europe Gas Surges as Goldman Warns of Conflict’s Risk to Supply（抜粋）