Irish Examiner view: Heat is on to reduce consumption

European natural gas futures fell below €30 for the first time since June 2021.

We can give at least one hearty cheer for the news that gas usage is plummeting across Europe and the double boost that gives to consumers and democratic governments everywhere. 

Firstly, it means Vladimir Putin and his cronies in the Kremlin no longer have their hands quite so deep in our pockets. Secondly, it shows that we can respond to an external challenge when it is presented in terms we understand.