The coming cold on the Continent, coupled with forecasts predicting a winter of unprecedented severity, has led to a chain of unexpected events in the energy industry. For example, there was the unexpected news that the European Union had made concessions to Gazprom by offering expanded access to the OPAL onshore gas line that connects to the Nord Stream pipeline. This decision will entitle Gazprom to the exclusive use of 50% of the gas line’s capacity and allow it to independently purchase the rights to an additional 40% from the pipeline operator