Gas storage at 82 per cent, EU prepares for winter. Where do Member States stand

Brussels – Two years ago, the European Unionreached the target of filling 90 per cent of its gas storage facilities before winter as early as mid-August. Last year, on 22 August. This summer, Brussels relaxed the constraints to reach the target, giving member states more time to prepare for the cold season. According to Gas Infrastructure Europe, as of 27 September, the European average stands at 82.32 per cent, and only seven countries have already exceeded the 90 per cent threshold. 

The virtuous ones range from 100.51 per cent in Poland to 91.25 per cent in France. In between are Portugal, Belgium, Romania, the Czech Republic, and Italy. The latter has already filled its storage facilities to 91.96 per cent. Among those who have not yet reached 90 per cent, however, particularly surprising are Denmark, stuck at 47.85 per cent, and Latvia, at 55.48 per cent. The figures concern only 19 Member States, because Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Ireland, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta and Slovenia have no gas storage facilities.

In July, the EU Parliament and the EU Council gave the green light to extending gas storage regulations until 2027, while opening up some flexibilities to the legislation passed in 2022 following Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. 

Member States may reach the 90 per cent target at any time between 1 October and 1 December. Once the target is reached, it is no longer mandatory to maintain it until 1 December. In addition, under certain specific market conditions, Member States may deviate from the attainment of this target by up to 10 per cent.