DISINFO: Europe is facing an insurmountable energy crisis
SUMMARY
Energy prices are breaking records one after the other. Europe has become addicted to cheap Soviet, then Russian fuel which was available and nearby in huge quantities. This winter, however, experts predict that many people will die, because they won't be able to heat their homes and will freeze.
RESPONSE
The article utilises the popular pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative on the energy crisis in Europe amid the unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine, subsequent Western sanctions on Russia, and Russian retaliatory measures reducing gas supplies. This narrative plays into the Kremlin's claims that the West is collapsing. Kremlin seeks to pressure the European governments and create public panic over energy insecurity and high energy costs.
EU member states have undertaken multiple counter-measures in order to increase EU security of energy supply, such as the "Save gas for a safe winter" plan which consists of voluntary reduction of natural gas demand by 15%. The European Commission has also unveiled a formal proposal to establish what has the potential of being the first-ever EU-wide cap on gas prices. The extraordinary measure will serve as a protective mechanism against cases of extreme volatility and rampant speculation in the gas markets.
Despite recent events, Europe is prepared to face this winter. EU underground gas reserves have been filled by more than 95% of their capacity, much more than the 1 November deadline set to achieve 80% capacity. This means that with the predicted gas consumption reduction and filled gas reserves, Europe won’t be out of gas for the winter even without Russian gas.
Furthermore, American LNG supplies to Europe have more than doubled this year, as EU strategically uses its wealth to increase orders. Europe’s LNG imports increased by 65% in the first nine months of this year, also due to fall of Asian demand for LNG, in part because of lower demand from China.
Examples of multiple governments around Europe calling on their citizens to turn down heating to reduce gas dependency on Russia can be seen here and here.
See more disinformation cases on energy issues here.