With frost biting outside European Union headquarters, energy ministers again sought to overcome deep differences Tuesday on a natural gas price cap that many hope would make utility bills cheaper so people can stay a little warmer during harsh winter days — if not this year, then later.
EU energy ministers have been forced into five emergency meetings because they cannot come to agreement on a maximum ceiling to pay for gas because of fear that global suppliers will simply bypass Europe when others offer more money.
Despite the time pressure two days ahead of an EU leaders summit, Tuesday’s meeting “will not be easy also because member states do have very different views and very different concerns,” EU Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson said.
