Government officials face a growing challenge in their effort to continue subsidizing electricity and natural gas for household and business consumers as funds backing this support are decreasing at a time when energy prices have continued rising.

According to sources, the government is looking to extend its subsidy package for households and businesses to also cover April.

Wholesale electricity prices have continued their ascent during the first ten days of March, well above levels in February, while reduced CO2 emission right prices are restricting cash injections into the Energy Transition Fund, funding the subsidies.

The wholesale electricity price average for the first ten days of March is 322 euros per MWh, well over February’s average of 211.71 euros per MWh. During this period, CO2 emission right prices have dropped to 60 euros per ton from 80 euros per ton.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has called for a price ceiling to be imposed on the Dutch TTF gas exchange.

Energy markets are forecast to remain volatile as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.