Lithuania saw a significant increase in gas consumption in January due to low temperatures and high demand for heating and electricity generation, according to Amber Grid.
In January, Lithuania experienced a notable surge in gas consumption, reaching approximately 2.9 terawatt-hours (TWh), which is about 45% more than the same month last year. This level of consumption was last seen in January 2021 when it peaked at around 3 TWh. Amber Grid attributed this increase to a heightened demand for gas primarily for heating purposes, driven by extraordinarily low temperatures throughout the month, as well as intensified use for electricity generation.
Additionally, the country's gas transmission system transported around 4 TWh of natural gas in January, reflecting a 25% increase compared to the same period in the previous year. Such levels of transportation have not been recorded since 2017. Justas Δerniauskas, the commercial director of Amber Grid, indicated that this month's figures were notable not only for the high domestic consumption of natural gas but also for the considerable usage of international interconnection points with neighboring countries, signaling a dynamic shift in consumption trends.
The changes in gas usage patterns could lead to significant implications for the energy market in the Baltic region, particularly with fluctuating temperatures and gas prices affecting orders across both the Baltic states and southern markets. As the situation evolves, energy providers may need to adapt their strategies to ensure stability and efficiency in supply, reflecting broader trends in energy demand amid changing climate conditions.
