Europe risks starting winter with the lowest level of gas in storage in the last 15 years

Europe is in a critical situation regarding gas stocks, with a filling level estimated at only 76% by the end of the replenishment season, the lowest level since 2011.

This comes against the backdrop of the conflict between the USA and Iran, which has affected liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies and led to a reduction in production from Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Currently, European storage is filled on average to 48%, after a cold winter and a slow start to the replenishment season. Although gas prices have risen after the attacks in February, they have recently stabilized, but the risks of rising prices during the winter remain.

The European Commission has recommended that member states reach a storage level of 80% to ensure supply, but uncertainties regarding LNG deliveries from the Persian Gulf persist. Analysts warn that without a rapid return of supplies, Europe could enter winter with insufficient stocks, which could lead to a natural gas crisis.