On December 19, the energy ministers of the European Union countries approved a cap on gas prices, which will be introduced if the basic gas prices rise to 180 euros per megawatt-hour.

This is stated in a Reuters report with reference to the statements of officials and a document.

At the same time, the publication noted that this "extraordinary measure divided opinions in the entire bloc."

Reuters also notes that the restriction can be launched from February 15, 2023.

"After the introduction of the price cap, it is impossible to negotiate TTF contracts from the first month to the previous year at a price that is 35 EUR/MWh above the baseline based on existing estimates of liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices," the source said. citing information from two EU officials. 

Notably, Germany voted to support the deal despite expressing concerns about the policy's impact on Europe's ability to attract gas supplies in competitive global markets.

"No one in Germany is against low gas prices, but we know that we have to be very careful not to make it worse," said German Economy Minister Robert Habeck.

According to sources, the Netherlands and Austria abstained from the decision.

States fear that it could disrupt Europe's energy markets and jeopardize Europe's energy security, Reuters writes.

It was previously reported that at the beginning of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine, the EU was still the largest buyer of Russian energy resources, but now European countries have left forever.

The day before, the President of Ukraine emphasized that the pressure on the aggressor state should be increased, in particular through sanctions policy.

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