Czech Republic braces for higher food and energy prices amid drought and low gas reserves

Economist Petr Bartoň warned that the ongoing drought across much of Europe will push up food and electricity prices in the Czech Republic, especially affecting agricultural production, fruit and vegetable markets. He highlighted the need for substantial investment in water resources and noted that even the United Kingdom, traditionally rain‑rich, now faces similar challenges. The reduced water availability is also expected to increase demand for air‑conditioning, adding pressure on electricity consumption.

At the same time, Czech gas storage facilities are only about 57 % full, the lowest level in fifteen years, after a winter of higher consumption and slower refilling driven by market conditions and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. While analysts expect gas prices to rise next year, the Ministry of Industry and Trade assures that no shortage is foreseen, with more than 80 % of storage capacity already contracted and supplies coming from Western Europe, Norway and LNG imports from the United States.