Gas markets are becoming ‘extremely difficult’ to predict. It’s a big problem for Europe this winter
Aerial view of the LNG storage and vaporization vessel “Höegh Esperanza” at the Wilhelmshaven LNG terminal.
Picture Alliance | Picture Alliance | Getty Images
Energy analysts are warning of more gas market volatility and higher prices as Europe races to prepare for another winter heating season.
European gas markets have been constantly fluctuating in recent months, owing to extreme heat, maintenance at gas plants and, most recently, industrial action at major liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities in Australia.
Workers at U.S. energy giant Chevron’s Gorgon and Wheatstone natural gas projects in Western Australia went on strike last week, after a protracted dispute over pay and job security. Work stoppages of up to 11 hours are scheduled to continue through to Thursday, at which point the action is poised to ramp up to a total strike of two weeks.
At present, no further talks are scheduled to resolve the dispute, exacerbating fears that a prolonged halt to production would squeeze global supplies.
Australia is a major player in the global LNG market — and even though most of its exports are destined for Japan, China and South Korea, disruption from the strikes is likely to result in Asia and Europe competing for LNG from other suppliers.
Gas markets are becoming riskier — gas and LNG prices are increasingly volatile and greatly affected by global factors.
Ana Maria Jaller-Makarewicz
Energy analyst at IEEFA
The front-month gas price at the Dutch Title Transfer Facility (TTF) hub, a European benchmark for natural gas trading, traded 1.4% higher on Tuesday morning at 36.3 euros ($38.91) per megawatt hour. The TTF contract rose to around 43 euros last month amid fears of strike action.
“The fear of an unbalanced gas supply and demand seesaw has dominated markets,” Ana Maria Jaller-Makarewicz, energy analyst at the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis, a U.S.-based think tank, said in a research note.
She said the combination of lower gas consumption and Europe filling up its storage facilities ahead of schedule had helped to prevent gas prices from skyrocketing to last summer’s extraordinary peak of 340 euros.
However, given the uncertainty over how the situation in Australia will unfold, Jaller-Makarewicz said Europe should brace itself for more volatility and an increase in prices.
“Gas markets are becoming riskier — gas and LNG prices are increasingly volatile and greatly affected by global factors,” Jaller-Makarewicz said.
“The uncertainty of future events that could affect gas supply makes it extremely difficult to predict how the supply and demand could be balanced and how much prices could escalate by. As seen in last year’s events in Europe, the only way that importing countries can mitigate that risk is by reducing their internal consumption,” she added.
‘Very volatile’
The EU reached its target of filling gas storage facilities to a 90% capacity roughly 2 1/2 months ahead of its Nov. 1 deadline. It leaves the bloc in a relatively strong position to cope with the demands of the forthcoming winter heating season.
The latest data compiled by industry group Gas Infrastructure Europe shows that the EU’s overall storage levels are at an average of nearly 94% full.
The International Energy Agency, however, has warned that even full storage sites are “no guarantee” against market conditions through winter.
“Our simulations show that a cold winter, together with a full halt of Russian piped gas supplies to the European Union starting from 1 October 2023, could easily renew price volatility and market tensions,” the global energy watchdog said in its annual gas market report, published July 17.
The IEA’s warning comes as the 27-nation bloc continues to wean itself off Russian fossil fuel exports after the Kremlin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Analysts at political consultancy Eurasia Group fear that “real disruptions” to European markets are possible, including Norwegian winter storm outages and a cut of the remaining Russian gas to Europe.
Christyan Malek, global head of energy strategy and head of EMEA oil and gas equity research at JPMorgan, said the situation in gas markets is “very volatile” and therefore tough to predict.
Malek said European gas markets appear to be pricing in both the buffer of Europe hitting its gas storage target ahead of schedule, and the risk that a particularly cold winter could lead to a “massive upswing” in price by year-end.
“As a house, we’re relatively bearish on gas prices,” Malek told CNBC’s “Street Signs Europe” on Monday.
“We’re at 95% storage by the end of the year, we’re 50% storage by March next year. What does that mean? It means that we’ve got a pretty good buffer,” Malek said, referring to Europe’s filling of its gas storage facilities.
“Now, if it gets really cold in winter … we do have a problem,” he added.
A new floating storage and regasification unit considered crucial to Italy’s energy independence arrived in Tuscany on March 19, 2023. The Golar Tundra project is a key part of Italy’s plan to reduce its reliance on Russian gas following the invasion of Ukraine.
Filippo Monteforte | Afp | Getty Images
While analysts said volatile market conditions are likely to keep traders feeling anxious, some believe the strikes in Australia are the only thing likely to keep prices buoyant in the months ahead.
Kaushal Ramesh, an analyst at Oslo-based Rystad Energy, said volatility returned to gas markets following the start of industrial action at major gas facilities in Australia.
“However, the potential impact of the strikes is likely the only bullish element in the near-term market, given we have now entered the pre-winter shoulder season and other indicators are bearish in both Europe and Asia,” Ramesh said in a research note published Monday.
Environment
EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max solar bundle $1,139 low, Lectric ONE e-bike gets $319 in free gear, Anker SOLIX C300 90,000mAh stations, more
We’re starting this week’s Green Deals with EcoFlow’s August Home Backup Sale that is seeing up to 59% initial discounts, bonus savings, continued 3x and 3.5x EcoCredit rewards, new free gift promotions, and more – with plenty of ongoing low prices like the DELTA 2 Max Solar Generator bundle that gives you a 220W panel at its $1,139 low, among many others. We also have Lectric’s ONE Long-Range e-bike getting the biggest $319 bundle of 2025 at $2,399, as well as Anker’s SOLIX C300 90,000mAh Power Stations and bundle options starting from $170. From there, we also have EcoFlow’s latest 48-hour flash sale on two power station bundles and a dual solar panel option, alongside the best price of the year on Worx’s 20V JawSaw PowerShare Cordless Chainsaw.Plus, all the hangover savings from last week are at the bottom of the page, rounded together in our Electrified Weekly coverage, which includes the new EcoFlow TRAIL releases, exclusive Bluetti Apex 300 launch savings, and much more.
Head below for other New Green Deals we’ve found today and, of course, Electrek’s best EV buying and leasing deals. Also, check out the new Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories.
Save up to 59% on EcoFlow power stations and backup bundles with bonus savings, free gifts, up to 3.5x EcoCredits – all from $179
EcoFlow has launched a new Home Backup Sale through August 17 that is continuing some of the Monthly Madness rewards from last week while adding new free gift promotions and extra savings – with this event running parallel to the brand’s release of the new TRAIL series power stations. One of the notable low prices we’re seeing during this period is on EcoFlow’s DELTA 2 Max Solar Generator bundle that comes with a 220W solar panel for $1,139.05 shipped, after using the code 25EFDCAFF at checkout for an additional 5% off your order, which beats out Amazon’s current pricing by $60. Normally going for $2,548 in full here, over the last seven months we’ve seen discounts take things to their lowest for $1,139 back during last month’s Prime Day event, with prices otherwise keeping at or above $1,199. That low price is coming back thanks to the bonus savings, giving you $1,409 in savings and the best price we have tracked.
As previously mentioned, this Home Backup Sale is seeing some continuations alongside some new free gift promotions. Of course, there’s the extra 5% savings you’ll get using the code 25EFDCAFF at checkout, but standard members will also be getting 3x EcoCredits from orders, while Plus members get 3.5x EcoCredits – which you can use to score future discounts and other exchanged rewards. If you already have some saved, you can spend 500 to unlock a spin on the brand’s Lucky Draw wheel for guaranteed gifts/savings. There’s also the chance to get a free refurbished RIVER 2 Max power station with purchases of select DELTA series units.
For folks not wanting to spend too much on larger whole-home backup systems but want to maintain their peace of mind during trips away from home and possible at-home outage emergencies, EcoFlow’s DELTA 2 Max is a solid option that starts with a 2,048Wh LiFePO4 capacity and can expand as high as 6,144Wh with add-on expansion batteries. It pumps out a steady stream of 2,400W of power through its 15 output port options, with the ability to surge up to 3,400W once you’ve activated its X-Boost mode in the remote app controls. A wall outlet can bring the battery back to 83% in 1.1 hours, with the option to plug it into your car’s auxiliary port to charge as you drive, on top of a max 1,000W solar input that can also be used simultaneously with a wall outlet for faster 43-minute charge times.
If you just want EcoFlow’s DELTA 2 Max power station by itself, you can pick it up at $996.55 shipped, after using the 5% off code, while bundling EcoFlow’s DELTA 2 Max with an 800W alternator charger that tops it off faster than a car auxiliary port will cost you $1,139.05 shipped, after using the extra savings code.
You can browse the full lineup during this EcoFlow August Home Backup Sale by checking out our original coverage of these deals here.
Lectric’s 60-mile traveling ONE e-bike with a Gates carbon belt drive gets largest $319 bundle of 2025 at $2,399
Looking in on Lectric’s ongoing Back to School Sale, we wanted to shine a spotlight on the biggest bundle we’ve seen accompany the brand’s ONE Long-Range e-bike at $2,399 shipped, which is getting $319 in free gear that includes a rear cargo rack, fenders to go over the tires, and a 4-liter frame bag. This package would normally run you $2,718 at full price, if it weren’t for the brand’s trend of offering savings on the bundles. While we did see it get a $308 bundle back in February, this model has otherwise only been getting $220 in free gear this year, but now, during this sale, we’re seeing a larger bundle than ever in 2025.
If you want to learn more about this model, be sure to check out our original coverage of this deal here, while you can also check out the full lineup of Back to School e-bike deals from this brand here.
Anker’s SOLIX C300 power stations are portable 90,000mAh backup companions that start from $170 (up to 32% off)
By way of its official Amazon storefront, Anker is offering its SOLIX C300 DC Portable Power Station at $169.99 shipped, beating out the brand’s direct website pricing by $20. You’d have to pay $250 for this unit at full price regularly, though discounts in 2025 have seen it go as low as $150, which was last seen in July’s Prime Day Sale event, with things otherwise seen repeating to $170 since June. This is the third-lowest price we have tracked, giving you $80 off the going rate and landing $30 above the all-time low from Black Friday and Christmas sales.
If you want to learn more about this model or get the rundown on its predecessor and bundle options, be sure to check out our original coverage of these deals here.
Save up to 62% on DELTA 2 and DELTA Pro bundles, as well as dual solar panels, starting from $499 for 48 hours
Alongside launching its latest Home Backup Sale that is running through August 17, EcoFlow has also launched a 48-hour flash sale that is taking up to 62% off three offers, with things starting lowest on the DELTA 2 Portable Power Station that comes bundled with a smart extra battery for $899 shipped, which beats out its Amazon pricing by $50. This bundle would cost you $1,798 at full price directly from the brand, while we’ve seen it more regularly at $1,289 at Amazon. Discounts this year have seen it fall to $799 back in March, with things otherwise dropping between $849 and $999 during sales. You’re looking at a 50% markdown off its MSRP here and the third-lowest price of 2025, while the savings last through today and tomorrow.
If you want to learn more about this bundle or the two other offers, be sure to check out our original coverage of this flash sale here.
Worx’s 20V JawSaw chomps through thick branches with a retractable blade at $101
Amazon is offering the best price of the year on Worx’s 20V JawSaw PowerShare Cordless Chainsaw at $101.40 shipped. Most of the past year we’ve seen this more unique chainsaw keeping up at a full $170 rate, which we saw drop to $130 during Black Friday and Christmas sales and more recently fell to $109 at the top of July. While it has dropped as far as $89 in past years, today’s deal comes in lower than we’ve seen in the last 12 months, giving you $69 off the going rate and beating out our previous mention by $8.
If you want to learn more about this unique chainsaw, be sure to check out our original coverage of this deal here.
Best Summer EV deals!
- Aventon Ramblas Electric Mountain Bike: $2,599 (Reg. $2,899)
- Ride1Up Prodigy v2 Brose Mid-Drive Gates Belt CVT e-bike: $2,595 (Reg. $2,795)
- Ride1Up Revv 1 DRT Off-Road Moped-Style e-bike: $2,395 (Reg. $2,595)
- Ride1Up Revv 1 Full Suspension Moped-Style e-bike: $2,395 (Reg. $2,595)
- Rad Power RadRunner Max Cargo Utility e-bike with $139 bundle: $2,299 (No price cut)
- Segway Xafari Red e-bike: $2,000 (Reg. $2,400)
- Velotric Nomad 2 All-Terrain e-bike with $120 bundle (new model): $1,999 (No price cut)
- Rad Power Radster Road Commuter e-bike: $1,999 (Reg. $2,199)
- Rad Power Radster Trail Off-Road e-bike: $1,999 (Reg. $2,199)
- Lectric XPedition 2.0 35Ah Cargo e-bike w/ up to $654 bundle: $1,999 (Reg. $2,653)
- Ride1Up Prodigy v2 Brose Mid-Drive 9-Speed e-bike: $1,995 (Reg. $2,495)
- Tenways AGO X All-Terrain e-bike with $307 bundle: $1,899 (Reg. $2,499)
- Velotric Breeze 1 Cruiser e-bike with $150 bundle (new model): $1,799 (No price cut)
- Aventon Pace 4 Smart Cruiser e-bike (new model, first discount): $1,699 (Reg. $1,799)
- Lectric XPedition 2.0 26Ah Cargo e-bike w/ $505 bundle: $1,699 (Reg. $2,204)
- Lectric XPeak 2.0 Long-Range Off-Road e-bike with $316 bundle: $1,699 (Reg. $2,015)
- Aventon Aventure 2 All-Terrain e-bike: $1,699 (Reg. $1,999)
- Aventon Abound Cargo e-bike: $1,599 (Reg. $1,999)
- Rad Power RadRunner Cargo Utility e-bike with $109 bundle: $1,499 (No pirce cut)
- Lectric XPeak 2.0 Standard Off-Road e-bike with $227 bundle: $1,499 (Reg. $1,726)
- Lectric XP Trike2 with $227 preorder bundle: $1,499 (Reg. $1,726)
- Rad Power RadWagon 4 Cargo e-bike: $1,499 (Reg. $1,799)
- Tenways CGO600 Pro e-bikes with $118 bundle: $1,499 (Reg. $1,899)
- Velotric Nomad 1 Plus All-Terrain e-bike: $1,499 (Reg. $1,899)
- Aventon Sinch 2 Folding e-bike (lowest price): $1,399 (Reg. $1,699)
- Lectric XPedition 2.0 13Ah Cargo e-bike with $326 bundle: $1,399 (Reg. $1,725)
- Aventon Level 2 Commuter e-bike (2025 low): $1,399 (Reg. $1,899)
- Ride1Up Roadster V3 Lightweight Premium e-bike: $1,395 (Reg. $1,495)
- Velotric T1 ST Plus Lightweight e-bike: $1,399 (Reg. $1,649)
- Lectric XPress 750 Commuter e-bikes with $366 bundle: $1,299 (Reg. $1,665)
- Lectric XP4 750 LR Folding Utility e-bikes with $356 bundle: $1,299 (Reg. $1,655)
- Lectric XP Lite 2.0 JW Black LR e-bike with $365 bundle: $1,099 (Reg. $1,464)
- Ride1Up Portola Folding e-bike with BOGO accessory promo: $995 (Reg. $1,095)
- Lectric XP4 Standard Folding Utility e-bikes with $79 bundle: $999 (Reg. $1,078)
- Lectric XP Lite 2.0 Long-Range e-bikes with up to $365 bundles: $999 (Reg. $1,364)
- Heybike Hauler Single-Battery Cargo e-bike: $999 (Reg. $1,499)
- Rad Power RadExpand 5 Folding e-bike (new low): $999 (Reg. $1,599)
- Navee ST3 Pro Electric Scooter (new model): $760 (Reg. $1,014)
- ENGWE Engine Pro Folding e-bike (use code 9TO5ENGWE50): $750 (Reg. $1,500)
- Navee GT3 Pro Electric Scooter (new model): $520 (Reg. $714)
Best new Green Deals landing this week
The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.
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Did you want a used Hyundai with your next Amazon order? You might need a bigger cart. You can now view, compare, and shop for new or used Hyundai vehicles directly on Amazon, including its top-selling EVs like the IONIQ 5.
How to buy used Hyundai EVs on Amazon
After teaming up with the e-commerce giant in December to sell new vehicles, Hyundai is now offering used and certified pre-owned vehicles on Amazon.
You can now buy a new or used Hyundai vehicle directly from a dealer through Amazon Auto. The platform is an all-in-one online shop that allows you to find, order, finance, and schedule pickup of a new or used Hyundai. You can even get an estimate for your trade-in and drop it off when you pick up your new vehicle.
The service for new vehicles is available across 130 cities in the US. Although used cars are currently only available in LA, Amazon said new cities will be added in the coming months.
The used and CPO programs show a list of available vehicles from local Hyundai dealers that you can choose from. Amazon offers a 3-day/300,000-mile return policy and a minimum 30-day/1,000 mile limited warranty on all vehicles.
Amazon Auto allows you to search by make, model, trim, color, or feature, making it easy to find your dream car. You can then get an instant quote, get a trade-in estimate, and secure financing all on Amazon’s trusted platform.
One of the biggest perks is the transparent pricing — no more negotiating with dealers. The price you see is the price you pay.
After the payment process is complete, you will schedule a time and day to pick up the new vehicle from a local dealership.
Amazon is expanding the program and plans to offer more brands next year. Other options, such as leasing and expanded financing options, will be available soon.
To view Hyundai vehicles near you, you can visit Amazon.com/Amazon-Autos today. Despite the new tariffs, Hyundai is one of the few brands that’s actually offering lower prices.
Starting at just $179 per month, the 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 might be the best EV deal on the market right now. The new three-row IONIQ 9 (see our review) can be leased from $419 per month.
For those without access to Amazon Auto, don’t worry — we can still help you find your next vehicle. You can use our links below to view deals on Hyundai EV models in your area.
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Segway has just unveiled a striking new version of its popular Xafari electric bike in Crimson Red. The micromobility giant, best known for its scooters and self-balancing tech, is adding a splash of personality to its multi-surface cruiser, all without compromising on the impressive comfort, connectivity, and performance that made the original so interesting and distinctive looking.
The Xafari, which originally debuted at CES 2025 alongside the more moto-styled Segway Xyber, is an e-bike designed to operate in either Class 1, 2, or 3 modes and is built for both urban commuting and light off-road adventure-style riding.
With a 750W rear hub motor and 936 Wh battery, it offers a range of up to 88 miles (142 km), while full suspension and semi-fat 26×3.0” tires help smooth out bumps on everything from pavement to packed dirt trails.
But the real differentiator here is the tech. The Xafari includes a smart 2.4” TFT color display with navigation and ride metrics, an adaptive pedal assist system that automatically adjusts power based on gradient and rider input, and a suite of connectivity tools rarely seen on e-bikes at this price point.
Those include Apple Find My and Segway GPS tracking, an app-based lockout system with motion alarm, and even cloud-based maintenance alerts. There’s also a handlebar scroll wheel to easily control assist levels and the display, as well as an intelligent lighting system with automatic high/low beams.
The new Crimson Red colorway came directly from dealer feedback, with Segway’s retail partners overwhelmingly requesting a bolder, more expressive look.
“This colorway turns heads, but more importantly, it reflects the bold, confident rider we built this product for,” said Nick Howe, head of Segway’s e-bike division. The bike originally launched with much more muted coloring.
The Segway Xafari in Crimson Red is available now through Segway’s website and authorized dealers. It carries an MSRP of $2,399.99, though early promotional pricing drops it to $1,999.99 for the launch.
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