Unusually low seasonal gas stocks of 75 percent - the lowest level since 2009 - and the risk of further major supply disruptions in key producing countries in the Middle East help explain the situation. Reports of a cold snap in Europe and unplanned production disruptions in Norway have added to the pressure.
The countries around the Persian Gulf accounted for a fifth of the world’s gas supply before the US and Israel attacked Iran at the end of February.
Higher gas prices in Europe affect electricity prices in southern Sweden through cross-border trade.
The European Commission has asked member states to consider measures to reduce demand.
