The UK has boosted natural gas production 26% as prices soar and Europe seeks relief in its energy crisis

The UK has increased production of natural gas by 26% this year as Europe grapples with an energy crisis.

In the first half of the year, new North Sea fields and cutting back on shutdowns increased supplies by 3.5 billion kilowatts.

Official figures show that the UK has increased its natural gas supply to Europe. Russia's decision to cut gas supplies to the region has led to an energy crisis.

European governments are looking for an alternative to Russian gas. The UK is a relatively small exporter and they are looking to get their hands on all the supplies they can.

The UK had a surplus of natural gas in the summer, but that won't be the case this winter. Market watchers say it will likely need to pull in gas from Norway.

In June of this year, the country didn't import any oil, gas or coal from Russia, according to offshore energies UK. The pressure on supply will be increased by that.

The price of gas is going up in Europe as power generators and industry consumers switch to other fuels. Coal-fired power generation is being switched to by operators in Germany, the Netherlands and the Danes.

Dutch TTF natural gas futures have doubled in value since the start of the year. The Dutch TTF futures were trading at $32 per megawatt hour at last check.