Recently, a wave of gas price adjustments has swept across the country, increasing the cost of living for countless families. In the face of this "gas storm", netizens' glass mood is inevitably exposed. But please calm down and don't drink to quench your thirst and blame the unit. In fact, this price adjustment is actually inseparable from the natural gas price linkage mechanism implemented by the state.
The implementation of the linkage mechanism stems from the long-term disconnection of domestic natural gas prices in the past. In the past, the cost and price of upstream natural gas fluctuated internationally, but it was often difficult to adjust the residential natural gas price in the downstream in a timely manner, resulting in long-term losses for midstream and upstream enterprises.
At the same time, in order to subsidize the price of domestic gas, industrial and commercial gas has to bear higher prices. Such a price-setting mechanism not only irrationally allocates resources, but also makes it difficult to ensure energy security.
In order to solve this "deadlock", the National Development and Reform Commission decided to establish a linkage mechanism for natural gas prices, requiring all localities to adjust prices for the first time by the end of June and establish a complete adjustment mechanism by the end of September. Jiangsu, Hebei and other places have raised prices by about 10% according to this requirement. This obviously places a certain burden on ordinary families. But in the long run, this reform has significant implications:
First, it will be a proper reflection of market supply and demand. By allowing users to face price signals in real time as costs fluctuate, it helps to save resources. Second, the linkage mechanism can fairly share the operational pressure of enterprises. In the past, the long-term gas supply deficit situation in the middle and upper reaches will be improved. In addition, it will stimulate users' awareness of energy saving. Once habitually saved, it will be beneficial to the national economy and people's livelihood.
Of course, in the short term, rising prices do put some pressure on the masses. However, the state also gives certain subsidies to disadvantaged groups such as low-income households to cushion the impact. We should look at it rationally, and this reform is essentially in the service of long-term national energy security. I believe that as long as we all work together, we will soon be able to adapt to the fluctuations brought about by the new mechanism.
It is worth noting that some experts expect that there may still be two adjustments in natural gas prices during the year. The exact timing is uncertain, but one by the end of September is almost certain. It is advisable to reserve some cash in advance to cover possible price fluctuations. If you can, you can also save money by taking simple energy-saving measures.
Generally speaking, although the implementation of the linkage mechanism has a temporary impact, it will become the cornerstone of the sustainable and healthy development of the mainland natural gas industry. As long as we face it rationally and peacefully, I believe that we will soon be able to adapt to the new operating rules. On this basis, the state will continue to improve its support policies so that the results of reform can benefit more people. It is only by working together that we can see an ever-increasing level of energy security in the midst of change.