German gas consumers are paying up to five times more for natural gas than under previous long-term Russian contracts, according to a report by Berliner Zeitung.
The German newspaper states that the country has effectively abandoned fixed-price agreements in favor of the volatile global spot market, exposing buyers to significant price volatility.
The shift highlights the financial trade-off of Germany’s energy security strategy.
While the move reduces reliance on Russian supply, it transfers pricing risk directly to domestic consumers and industrial users.
The report suggests that the premium paid for non-Russian gas is substantial, reflecting the tightness of the European market and the lack of alternative long-term supply at comparable rates.
This development comes as the European Union continues to spend heavily on Russian energy.