Wholesale electricity prices in Italy and Hungary increased in the week to 20 September, despite weaker demand across Southeast Europe and sharp declines in parts of western Europe. Italy posted the region’s highest weekly day-ahead average at €215.82/MWh, up 2.51% week on week. Hungary rose 2.69% to €182.08/MWh. In contrast, Germany fell 16.71% to €135.25/MWh.
The move left Hungarian power almost €47/MWh above the German average. Lower consumption did not bring Central and Southeast European prices into line with western markets. Regional electricity demand declined by 6.37% over the period. Variable renewable generation also fell by 8%, tightening availability of lower-cost supply.
Cross-border flows and uneven Southeast Europe pricing
Cross-border positions shifted during the week, with Hungary increasing net imports. Romania’s import requirement rose sharply over the same period. Price changes across Southeast Europe were not uniform. Serbia averaged €151.46/MWh, down 2.72%, while Bulgaria fell 2.93% to €162.07/MWh.
Romania was little changed at €177.36/MWh. Exporters therefore faced different price signals on either side of the region. Hungary’s premium over Germany widened during the week. Italy remained the highest-priced destination among the markets covered.