Massive Austria gas plant blast plunges Europe into energy crisis as shortage hits
ENERGY prices across Europe have soared after an explosion ripped through one of the continent’s biggest supply hubs.
By SIMON OSBORNE
Express.co.uk
Tue, Dec 12, 2017
Pipeline deliveries across large parts of the continent have been thrown into chaos as a result of the deadly blast at the Baumgaerten site in eastern Austria.
In Britain, Europe’s biggest gas market, the price of gas for immediate delivery soared by 35 per cent to 92p per therm, its highest level since 2013.
The Italian wholesale day-ahead price surged nearly doubled to £41.44 per megawatt-hour, its highest ever recorded level.
And Italy has declared a state of emergency as a result of the fuel crisis with industry minister Carlo Calenda warning of a “serious” energy supply problem.
Slovakia’s main gas transit route to Austria was also suspended after the fire, Slovak pipeline operator Eustream said.
Russia’s Gazprom Export said it was working on redirecting gas flows and trying to secure uninterrupted supplies to clients.
At least one person was killed and 21 others injured, one seriously, when the explosion tore through the plant 25 miles northeast of Austrian capital Vienna.
Gas Connect Austria, which operates the Baumgarten site in eastern Austria, said the blaze had been brought under control and police added that the cause was a technical defect.
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