France's Energy Strike Cuts Gas Terminal Capacity Amid EU Winter Supply Concerns
A strike in France's energy sector has reduced capacity at the country's largest liquefied natural gas terminal, Dunkirk, and decreased electricity generation. The protest began on September 15 as workers objected to proposed changes to preferential electricity tariffs for employees. As a result, the Dunkirk terminal cut its send-out capacity from 9.4 to 4 gigawatt-hours per day.
France is one of Europe's largest gas exporters, and the disruption may increase pressure on already high gas prices. The country's other three liquefied natural gas terminals continued to operate normally. According to LSEG analyst Dzmitry Dauhalevich, the actual impact on daily gas send-out could amount to approximately 476 gigawatt-hours.
The strike also affected electricity generation, with a reduction of 6.2 gigawatts by midday, representing about 13% of total electricity demand during daytime hours. Despite this, France remained a net electricity exporter. Unions called the strike against a recommendation to reduce employee benefits, including access to cheaper electricity.