European natural gas for delivery this summer has become even more expensive than prices for next winter after Germany signaled it may subsidize the refilling of storage sites.

Europe is increasingly reliant on its ability to attract LNG following the loss of Russian gas through Ukraine, as it depletes its gas in storage. The EU’s gas storage was 59 per cent full as of Monday, 15 per cent below the same time last year, according to industry body Gas Infrastructure Europe. Colder weather contributed to a faster withdrawal.

Hungary wants the European Union to intervene in a gas dispute it has with Ukraine, a potential sign of friction in the bloc’s upcoming discussions over renewing sanctions against Russia.

Hungary wants the European Union to persuade Ukraine to resume gas transit from Russia to Europe, Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Friday, signalling a tough debate as the EU seeks to extend its sanctions against Russia over the coming week.

Hungary prolonged its blockage of the renewal of sanctions against Russia as Prime Minister Viktor Orban called on the European Union to pressure Ukraine to re-establish the transit of Russian gas to Europe.