Lack of energy supply from Russia, Europe 'struggling' due to rising prices

Nam Temple• August 28, 2022 14:59

Lack of supply from Russia, skyrocketing energy bills, and a cold winter looming ahead have left European governments and people scratching their heads trying to figure out how to cope.

In the hot summer, Europeans still have to “tighten their belts” in using energy. They turn down the air conditioning, ride bicycles more, take shorter showers…, but they still cannot escape the worry of a cold winter with high energy bills.

Lacking supply from Russia, Europe is "struggling" because of rising energy prices.

With the UK government planning to raise the energy price ceiling by more than 80% from October 1, British people are fearing a big "shock" next winter:

“Yes, it will be a few percentage points higher, but in sterling terms we will have to wait three months for the bill to come in. And of course it will be higher in the winter. That will be a shock to people. It is unfortunate. It is scary.”

“It’s a change in your daily lifestyle. Only turn on the gas when you really need it, or turn off unnecessary appliances. That’s the only way you can survive.”

British officials admit that the high energy prices are largely due to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, when Russia has reduced gas supplies to Europe to just 20% of its capacity, causing significant difficulties for Europe in the coming winter. The British government is preparing a series of price support plans for people and is waiting for the next Prime Minister to approve.