Hungarian and Italian wholesale electricity prices increased in the week ending 20 September, despite weaker electricity demand across Southeast Europe and significant price declines in several Western European markets.
Italy recorded the highest weekly day-ahead average among the markets covered, reaching €215.82/MWh, an increase of 2.51% from the previous week. Hungary followed with an average of €182.08/MWh, up 2.69%. In contrast, Germany’s average price dropped 16.71% to €135.25/MWh, leaving Hungarian electricity almost €47/MWh more expensive than the German market.
The divergence highlights the impact of changing supply conditions across the region. Although regional electricity demand fell 6.37%, variable renewable generation declined by around 8%, reducing the availability of lower-cost power. At the same time, cross-border flows changed, with Hungary increasing net imports and Romania recording a sharp rise in its import requirement.
Price movements across Southeast Europe were mixed. Serbia’s weekly average fell 2.72% to €151.46/MWh, while Bulgaria declined 2.93% to €162.07/MWh. Romania remained relatively stable, with its average price reaching €177.36/MWh.
The latest figures point to widening differences between regional electricity markets. Hungary’s premium over Germany increased during the week, while Italy remained the most expensive destination among the markets covered. For traders and exporters, the contrasting price movements underline the importance of regional supply conditions, renewable generation and cross-border electricity flows.
By Virtu.Energy
