Cefic提出4项天然气降成本建议

Core Viewpoint - The European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic) has proposed four key policy recommendations to reduce natural gas costs in the EU, aiming to restore the competitiveness of the European chemical industry and ensure its future [1] Group 1: Policy Recommendations - Cefic suggests that the EU should implement temporary tax reductions and network fee exemptions through national aid frameworks [1] - Increasing domestic natural gas supply is recommended to enhance energy security [1] - Reducing supply and planning uncertainties in the natural gas market is essential for stability [1] - Promoting diversification of natural gas supply to lower costs and improve competitiveness is crucial [1] Group 2: Industry Impact - The chemical industry is the largest consumer of natural gas and electricity in the EU [1] - Over the past year, EU natural gas prices have been approximately four times higher than those in the US [1] - High gas prices have led to increased electricity prices and a greater reliance on liquefied natural gas (LNG), resulting in structural cost increases in the energy market [1] - The consequences of high gas prices include factory closures, reduced investments, and an increased risk of deindustrialization in Europe [1] Group 3: Challenges Faced by the Chemical Industry - Cefic highlights a threefold impact of high gas prices on the chemical industry: as a direct energy source, as a production raw material, and as a benchmark for electricity market prices [1] - Natural gas serves as both a thermal energy source and a key process raw material for the chemical industry [1] - Alternatives to natural gas are complex and costly, with limited available substitutes [1] - Despite ongoing efforts to improve energy efficiency, the fundamental issues arising from long-term high energy costs remain unresolved [1]