CO2 emission right prices are soaring, breaking one record after another to exceed levels of 81 euros per ton and looking likely to rise even higher, which comes as a new round of upward pressure for household and business electricity bills, already severely impacted by the surge in natural gas prices.

CO2 emission right prices have now doubled since April, when prices were at levels of about 40 euros per ton.

CO2 emission right prices are now approaching the levels reached by natural gas on the Dutch TTF platform, seen reaching levels of between 80 and 90 euros per MWh in the short term.

Though electricity price levels have slightly deescalated so far in December, to 217.26 euros per MWh from 230 euros per MWh five days earlier, will make little difference to retail prices, analysts have noted.

Energy company officials believe a a drop in electricity prices is possible in spring, but not all the way down to pre-energy crisis levels.

These officials are also anticipating energy crises to become a regular occurrence that will keep pressuring households and businesses.