Natural gas buyers and sellers are hedging less against price swings

Feb 14, 2023
Locking in future prices can be expensive — and risky. But it can protect producers and consumers from price spikes.
Natural gas prices recently experienced a "tremendous collapse," says to Clark Williams-Derry of the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis.
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Chemical giant BASF is under threat after Russians turn off the gas

Oct 4, 2022
Gas rationing by the Berlin government this winter could hit the German chemical industry and dent the global economy.
BASF, the world’s largest chemical company, may be forced to grapple with natural gas rationing if Germany experiences a cold winter.
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Surging energy costs push British businesses to the brink

Sep 30, 2022
The U.K.'s rate of business failure has climbed far above pre-pandemic levels as economic uncertainty reigns.
Energy-intensive businesses like bakeries are suffering energy price shocks. Above, workers at Sourdough Sophia in London.
Victoria Craig/BBC

High energy prices could threaten European utilities' ability to keep doing business

Sep 6, 2022
A reported $1.5 trillion is tied up as collateral on energy markets. That's making it hard for energy companies to operate.
Natural gas prices in Europe rose swiftly over the weekend following the announcement that Russia's state energy company Gazprom will not resume pumping natural gas through the Nord Stream pipeline. Above, a natural gas storage facility in Austria.
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How drought zaps electricity production and could raise prices

Aug 18, 2022
Coal, natural gas and nuclear plants need water to make the steam that moves turbines, and as a cooling agent.
When power demand peaks, hydropower can be used to meet that demand in short order. Drought conditions make this difficult. Above, Hoover Dam and Lake Mead, which was at its lowest level since the 1930s in July.
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