Spiking gas prices have already prompted governments to curb power use. Pakistan shut schools for two weeks; India is rationing natural gas supplies for manufacturers; and in at least one major Indian city, Pune, gas-powered crematoriums have suspended operations. Shock upon shock in EuropeFor Europeans, this energy shock feels uncomfortably familiar. Natural gas is the dominant energy source for EU households, and since the war began, benchmark European prices have almost doubled. Even before that, energy prices were too high, Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever said Thursday on the sidelines of an EU summit.

Source: CNN March 20, 2026 07:40 UTC