US gas prices jump 50% due to record cold snap

U.S. natural gas futures have surged more than 50% in two days as sub-zero temperatures have gripped much of the country and sharply increased demand for heating, setting the market for its biggest weekly rally since the late 1980s. About this reports Bloomberg.

Cold weather is sending energy prices soaring around the world. Japan's electricity price hit a three-month high on Wednesday, while European gas futures are up 29% since the start of the month.

In Texas, home to important gas production facilities, snow is forecast this week, significantly increasing the likelihood of temporary supply disruptions and reduced exports.

The disruptions could affect Europe, which has become more dependent on American cargoes after Russia cut supplies to the continent.

Higher gas prices have become a sore point for American consumers struggling with rising energy bills, and the issue has taken on political significance for the US president. Donald Trump. At the same time, the situation is beneficial for gas producers, especially those who have not fixed prices through financial hedging.

According to Atmospheric G2, average temperatures in Asia will remain below normal through the weekend. Weather patterns have been unstable recently due to the movement of a cold Siberian air mass across the continent along with warmer air from the Atlantic.

US forecasters predict that low temperatures will spread from the Northern Plains to the mid-Mississippi Valley, Ohio Valley and Northeast on Thursday through Sunday. Temperatures will drop into the low 20s across the southeastern United States and even the Gulf Coast by early next week.

• Import volumes natural gas to Ukraine reached 6.47 billion cubic meters by the end of 2025. This is the highest figure in the last five years – since 2020.