欧洲能源警报拉响！天然气提气破纪录，价格暴涨难扛寒冬

Core Insights - Europe's natural gas reserves are depleting at an alarming rate, with total storage dropping to 78.1 billion cubic meters, a decrease of 10.6 billion cubic meters compared to the same period in 2024, equivalent to one week's consumption for the EU [1][3] - Germany, as the largest gas consumer in the EU, has seen its storage fill rate decline from 72% to 68.5% within five days, marking one of the steepest drops among EU countries [1][3] - The surge in gas extraction and rising prices are attributed to a combination of reduced inventory, increased winter heating demand, and unstable energy supply [3][4] Energy Policy and Market Dynamics - The EU's energy crisis is a manifestation of contradictions in its energy policy, particularly the push for "de-Russification" without establishing a reliable alternative energy supply [3][4] - The abandonment of long-term contracts with Russian gas suppliers has left European countries vulnerable to market fluctuations, exacerbated by competition for liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Asia and logistical disruptions [4][6] - The disconnect between the EU's decarbonization goals and the actual role of natural gas as a transitional energy source has led to chaotic energy reserve management, lacking both long-term planning and short-term responsiveness [6] Economic Impact - Rising natural gas prices are increasing heating bills for European households and putting pressure on industrial energy costs [6] - Predictions indicate that if the current rate of gas extraction continues, some European countries may face "bottoming out" of their gas reserves by January, potentially leading to energy rationing [6] - The fluctuations in the European energy market highlight the risks of pursuing energy independence without a solid foundation for energy security [6]