While waiting for the European Union’s energy ministers to meet this Friday to approve an initial package of urgent measures to stop the rise in electricity prices, new proposals have been made in recent days.

In a jointly presented letter, 15 member states ask the European Commission to establish a cap on gas prices regardless of its origin, in order to control the cost of the energy bill.

The Commission, which initially only considered establishing a cap on gas prices imported from Russia, views this proposal with suspicion due to the risk that a measure of this magnitude could scare off wholesale sellers at a time when supply needs to be ensured for this winter. The initiator countries do not give technical details in their communication, but argue that the limit should be designed in such a way that the price paid would still be higher than in markets such as Asia or America to ensure competitiveness.

We will soon see if this measure can go ahead, as the initiator states will need the support of more members to achieve the qualified majority that would allow its approval.