Babiš warns of looming gas supply challenges as winter approaches

Prime Minister Andrej Babiš used his customary Sunday video to warn that the gas market will confront a serious problem as the heating season approaches. He emphasized the V4 coalition's effort to suspend the ETS1 emissions-permit scheme for heavy industry and mentioned ongoing talks about broader energy pricing. Slovak Premier Robert Fico questioned why electricity markets are dysfunctional, citing high prices despite domestic clean generation, while Hungarian Premier Péter Magyar called for EU funding to help firms shift away from Russian supplies and build storage.

Russian President Vladimir Putin warned of a possible sharp increase in European gas prices. Czech energy analyst Jiří Gavor said current gas prices are around $950 per 1,000 cubic metres and that storage in the Czech Republic is close to 70 % of capacity, though slightly lower than a year ago. He expects supply to be sufficient for the upcoming season, but warns that higher costs will soon affect consumers.