So the problem that Europe has now to confront is that of alternate supply.  The current situation has demonstrated the vulnerability of many countries to changes in the current supply scenario.  But there are no long-term answers to dependence on the limited number of suppliers that exist, short of changing to a different fuel. The suggestion this time is that those who can should switch to oil.  Or alternately the business can close, or move to another country where a more reliable supply exists.

That is in large measure what is currently going on in regard to the American situation, businesses can either no longer afford to use gas, or have moved to places where it is more reliably available.  This reduction in demand has apparently been sufficient to offset the reduced supply from GOMEX and thus there is less immediate pressure on supply.

There are some industries that will find it hard to change, or alternately to find an alternate source of energy in the volumes that will be needed.  This change in the supply picture for different countries will also change the demands for oil, and it will be interesting to see how that will, in turn, alter the demand for oil.

I would end today on a different note.  I have written about the dangers of coal bed methane earlier. With the current doubt about the fate of the miners in West Virginia following the underground gas explosion at the Sago Mine, I would ask your prayers tonight for them, and for their families.