LNG imports are increasingly used as an indicator for Southeast Europe’s electricity markets. In Week 26, LNG inflows totalled 713.09 GWh in Greece, 4,222.43 GWh in Italy, and 641.61 GWh in Croatia. Italy reported a 5.45% weekly increase, Croatia posted a 0.9% gain, and Greece saw a 1.3% decline.
The link between LNG supply and electricity system operations is becoming more direct. During periods of higher temperatures, electricity demand rises and renewable generation or hydropower cannot fully cover the additional load. In Week 26, gas-fired electricity generation across Southeast Europe increased by 25.5%. LNG terminals therefore support both gas consumers and electricity systems during peak-demand periods.
Italy’s LNG volumes and wholesale price levels
Italy remained the region’s largest LNG importer in Week 26, with weekly inflows above 4.2 TWh. The country’s wholesale electricity price averaged €144.67/MWh during the same period. Gas-fired generation rose by 47.5%. Even with higher LNG availability, electricity prices continued to reflect fuel costs, carbon prices, power plant availability and tight supply conditions during peak demand hours.
Greece’s LNG role amid wind and hydropower output
Greece’s LNG infrastructure supports domestic electricity generation and gas supply across the wider Balkan market. Although LNG imports fell slightly versus the previous week, Greece maintained relatively competitive electricity prices compared with several neighbouring markets. Stronger wind and hydropower production helped moderate prices during Week 26. Reliable LNG supplies continued to support balancing of fluctuations in electricity demand.
Croatia’s inflows as thermal generation reliance increases
Croatia’s LNG facilities have become more important for Central and Southeast Europe. LNG inflows increased modestly to 641.61 GWh. The country also experienced elevated electricity prices alongside greater reliance on thermal generation. While LNG infrastructure improves regional supply security, it does not fully prevent price spikes when renewable output weakens and demand rises sharply.
Policy focus on terminals, networks, storage and flexible plants
LNG infrastructure is also treated as a factor affecting electricity market pricing for policymakers. LNG import terminals, gas transmission networks, storage facilities and flexible gas-fired power plants contribute to how electricity systems manage periods of extreme demand. This function becomes more relevant as countries expand renewable energy while maintaining reliable power supply.
Implications for procurement and risk management
Industrial electricity consumers are expected to track LNG market developments alongside wholesale electricity prices, hydrological conditions and renewable generation forecasts. Stable LNG imports can reduce the likelihood of physical gas shortages, but they do not remove price volatility. Volatility can persist when global LNG competition intensifies or when European gas storage remains below seasonal averages. In markets where gas-fired generation often sets marginal prices, LNG availability becomes part of electricity procurement and risk management considerations.
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