EU sounds alarm: Member states urged to refill gas storage before winter

The European Commission (EC) has called on EU member states to start refilling their underground gas storage (UGS) in preparation for the upcoming winter, despite rising energy prices driven by the war in the Middle East.

In a letter to EU governments, Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen emphasized that the move is crucial to ensure energy security while avoiding excessive demand, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

“The EU’s energy security is not currently under threat, but member states should begin filling gas storage for the upcoming winter season without delay,” Jørgensen said, urging coordinated action to prevent competition among countries for gas supplies toward the end of summer.

The commissioner also indicated that the European Commission is prepared to “exercise flexibility” by lowering mandatory storage targets this year. While the letter did not specify exact figures, Politico previously reported that the compulsory storage level could be reduced from 90% to 80% of total capacity by the start of the heating season.

European gas storage levels are currently at a record low, below 20%, due to an unusually cold winter, raising concerns about energy availability for the next season. The EC’s guidance aims to mitigate supply risks while balancing market pressures from high gas prices and geopolitical uncertainty.

Jørgensen stressed that timely and coordinated action by member states is key to ensuring a stable and secure energy supply for the EU during the coming winter months.

By Vafa Guliyeva