Energy rationing: The 'winners' from further gas shortages - if any

'Sea change' in the approach to natural gas

With the possibility of mandatory gas rationing still on the table, investors are mulling which stocks might perform well off the back of further cuts to supply across Europe.

Oil companies have enjoyed extraordinary profits this year as prices have spiralled, with Royal Dutch Shell reporting second quarter gains of £9bn, while BP recorded its largest quarterly profit for 14 years, at £6.9bn. But other stocks are set to get a boost, particularly if the European Commission moves to activate a binding ration target across the EU. Germany looks particularly vulnerable, with the Bundesbank estimating rationing gas would lead German GDP to slump 5%, and the nation being hampered by its lack of alternative energy sources. Spain, however, has invested more heav...