Natural gas demand has fallen sharply in Greece, firstly as a result of the mild winter weather being experienced, which has restricted household gas demand for heating purposes, and secondly as gas-fueled power stations have remained sidelined for many hours per day because they are not competitive and are being undercut by electricity imports.

Retail gas demand for household, professional, small-scale industrial and industrial usage has fallen by as much as 50 percent, market officials have told energypress.

The reduced level of competitiveness affecting gas-fueled power stations has been primarily attributed to an extraordinary levy of 10 euros per MWh imposed, as of November 1. Also, many businesses have turned to alternatives such as diesel and LNG.

The sharp drop in natural gas usage has especially affected gas importers, some of which are committed to import agreements with take-or-pay clauses, while others have reserved slots at the Revythoussa LNG terminal close to Athens for LNG shipments.

Electricity imports currently cover approximately 25 percent of daily demand, data provided by the Hellenic Energy Exchange for the past week has shown.