European winter demand has room to rebound
The continent could take a lot more gas this winter. But not if we return to lockdown
European gas demand over winter 2020–21 should be set for substantial year-on-year growth simply on a reversion to seasonally normal cold weather, given the particularly mild winter of 2019–20. And a change in working habits—involving many traditionally office-based staff continuing to work from home—should actually further boost demand. But this expected rebound could be wiped out in a scenario where Europe again goes into widespread lockdowns to contain a resurgent spread of Covid-19. We expect aggregate European gas demand this winter to increase by c.14bn m³ year-on-year from heating demand rising into line with the ten-year average. That demand growth comes mostly from space heating in
Also in this section
6 February 2026
The long close relationship between key supplier Qatar and pivotal buyer Japan becomes even deeper following new landmark deal
6 February 2026
Partnerships across the LNG value chain have evolved over time, growing in both complexity and importance, according to panellists at LNG2026
6 February 2026
Nigeria's mega-refinery is still trying to solve many challenges, all while its owner talks up expansion
5 February 2026
While broadly supportive of EU efforts to tackle methane emissions, representatives of the gas industry warn it could deter supply contracting if timelines and compliance requirements are not made more pragmatic
