LNG flows were a key variable in Southeast Europe’s power and gas balance during Week 22, according to Electricity.trade. Greece received 404.07 GWh of LNG, a 15.2% recovery versus the previous week. Italy recorded 4,113.50 GWh, broadly stable with a 0.55% increase. Croatia took in 633.39 GWh, down 8.9% week-on-week.
LNG availability was linked to differences in how regional markets handled volatility and pricing pressure, as reported by Electricity.trade . The role of LNG extends beyond a gas-market input, supporting power generation and security of supply alongside regional trading activity.
Italy: high LNG intake alongside elevated weekly power prices
Italy’s LNG intake was the largest among the reviewed markets in Week 22. Despite high LNG availability, Italy still cleared at €123.58/MWh, the highest weekly average in the SEE-linked group. The figure came alongside TTF futures averaging €46.56/MWh. Italian gas-fired generation rose by 25.3%.
LNG-backed thermal output therefore remained tied to higher-cost balancing conditions . In this setup, LNG supported supply security but did not translate into lower marginal electricity prices when gas prices stayed expensive.
Greece: LNG recovery with competitive power pricing and higher exports
Greece showed a different combination of inputs and outcomes during Week 22. LNG inflows recovered by 15.2%, while the power market stayed relatively competitive at €86.77/MWh. Exports increased by 35.7% to 241 GWh. The week’s profile reflected more than LNG alone.
The source data points to a mix that included LNG flexibility, stronger renewables and higher hydro output . Together, these elements supported a more competitive generation stack.
Croatia: lower LNG flows during a hydro-led price decline
Croatia received 633.39 GWh of LNG, down 8.9% week-on-week in Week 22. Over the same period, hydro output surged by 75.4%. Electricity prices fell by 5.5% to €100.94/MWh. The change illustrates how LNG flows need to be assessed alongside the power mix.
A decline in LNG flows did not coincide with tighter power prices when hydro output improved . Over longer periods, Croatia’s LNG position remains strategically important because Krk provides regional gas flexibility for Croatia and neighbouring markets.
LNG flexibility implications for power, industry and infrastructure planning
LNG-linked flexibility affects multiple sectors connected to Southeast Europe’s energy system. Gas-fired power plants rely on it for fuel security, while industrial buyers are exposed indirectly through electricity prices . Storage developers also need timing information on when LNG-backed gas generation sets the evening marginal price.
Grid planners and policymakers factor this flexibility into resilience planning as coal declines and renewable penetration rises . Week 22 outcomes reflected that pattern across Italy, Greece and Croatia, with large LNG flows in Italy coexisting with high prices, Greece combining recovering LNG inflows with competitive pricing, and Croatia seeing lower LNG receipts alongside hydro support.
