EU starts heating season with lowest gas stocks since 2013

EU gas storage sites are entering the heating season at their lowest level since 2013, the International Energy Agency (IEA) says in a new report. The agency's researchers warn that the tight global gas market could last until deep into 2027.

With stocks this low, the EU depends more on global LNG supplies (LNG), which arrive by ship, at the time of year when demand is highest.

The researchers write: "If the winter is colder than expected, or there's a problem with supply, the region will be even more vulnerable."

Dutch storage

Dutch storage sites held 94.6 TWh of gas on 1 November, 66% of capacity. That is double the 33% recorded on 19 July, but the level has barely moved in the last two weeks.

Dutch gas storage doubled since July but has levelled off

% of capacity

Dutch gas storage doubled since July but has levelled off (% of capacity). Highest: 1 Nov, 66; lowest: 19 Jul, 33; 16 items. Source: AGSI+.

View data

Data: Dutch gas storage doubled since July but has levelled off

Item	% of capacity
19 Jul	33
26 Jul	35
2 Aug	38
9 Aug	40
16 Aug	42
23 Aug	44
30 Aug	47
6 Sep	50
13 Sep	53
20 Sep	56
27 Sep	58
4 Oct	60
11 Oct	63
18 Oct	65
25 Oct	65
1 Nov	66