Evergreen gas problem

After years of decline, the continent's demand is rising again, creating a new battlefield for exporters

The cold weather that enveloped much of Europe in January has set the tone for what energy suppliers and traders expect will be another improving year for energy demand across the continent. The strength of that recovery, though, depends largely on Europe's economic growth remaining steady. Several pitfalls could derail that hope. The freezing spell, which saw temperatures in southeast Europe fall to -9° Celsius, compared with a 10-year average of 1.5° C, immediately boosted demand for liquefied natural gas in Europe, which is battling Asia for supplies. Naturally, this pushed up spot prices. On France's southern hub they reached a record $11.40 per million British thermal units, according t