Rishi 'close' on gas deals to stop winter blackouts

MINISTERS are trying to form an international alliance to tackle gas supply shortages in the face of winter blackout threats.

- Steph Spyro

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is close to clinching a deal with the United States, where 10 billion cubic metres of liquefied natural gas (LNG) will be sent to the UK over the next year.

The Government has acknowledged it is pursuing long-term deals with foreign states, reportedly including Norway and Qatar.

The UK, which has much less gas storage than other European countries, relies on imported gas to meet around half of its demand.

Top provider Norway accounted for two-thirds of the UK’s imported supply last year, with LNG making up the bulk of the rest.

Co-operation