In November, EU countries reduced their gas demand by a record 25% compared to the average for the last five years. The drop was explained by measures to reduce dependence on Russian energy resources.

According to the ICIS consulting firm, in November the demand for gas in the largest consuming countries – Germany and Italy – decreased by 23% and 21% respectively, TASS writes. In Spain and France, the figure fell by 20%, in the Netherlands – by more than a third.

A significant increase in fuel prices and unusually warm autumn months contributed to the fall in demand for gas. According to experts, European countries need to reduce gas demand even more in the future and at the same time increase imports of liquefied natural gas to prevent a prolonged shortage.

According to the results of November, gas withdrawal from underground storage facilities in Europe became the minimum for this month since 2011. European countries consumed 4.4 billion cubic meters of gas. This is due to the establishment of abnormally warm weather in October and early November. The heating season in the EU started only on November 14.