‘Just Worry upon Worry’: Europe Faces a Bleak Winter as Supply Shock Pushes Factories to the Brink

Europe is entering winter with gas storage at its weakest seasonal level in years, while disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz have removed roughly 20 percent of global LNG supply. Energy prices have surged, placing factories under severe pressure and threatening jobs in industrial regions. Germany and the Netherlands risk missing storage targets, while Britain remains vulnerable because it relies heavily on imports. Analysts warn that a cold winter could bring shortages, price increases, and factory closures across Europe.