Salzburg AG does not expect extreme gas prices
economy
The attack on Ukraine and possible sanctions against Russia could drive the price of natural gas in Austria to unprecedented levels, say experts. The local energy supplier Salzburg AG calmed down. There may still be sufficient reserves, and delivery delays are easy to deal with.
40 percent of the gas used in the state of Salzburg comes from Russia, the rest from Norway or Austria itself.
“Russia won’t turn off the gas tap”
With our own gas storage facilities, medium-term failures can also be compensated for, emphasizes Martin Rainer, head of the energy trading department at Salzburg AG. In addition, there are supply contracts with Russia until 2027: “We do not assume that Russia will turn off the gas tap. There have been similar situations in previous years.”
So the big unknown is not the supply, but rather the development of the market price, adds Rainer. It has been rising again and again for a good six months: “We are generally seeing high demand for energy sources – especially for natural gas. We will not see price levels as low as two or three years ago in the coming months.”
professional looks medium-term stabilization
Depending on the development of the Ukraine crisis, there could of course be further price increases, according to Rainer. However, Salzburg AG follows a long-term purchasing strategy. The price level would level off again in the medium term.