The Council of the European Union approved the extension of gas storage rules until 2027. This decision extends for two more years the current regulation that requires member states to maintain adequate levels of stocks before winter.
A measure aimed at stabilizing gas storage
The legislation extends the obligation to reach 90% capacity in storage facilities before winter, but introduces greater temporal and operational flexibility.
Member States will now be able to meet this target at any time between October 1 and December 1, replacing the previous limit of November 1. In addition, a 10% tolerance is provided for in the event of difficulties in filling and, in adverse circumstances, the Commission may authorize an additional relaxation of 5%.
The extension responds to the need to reduce the impact of international tensions, especially arising from the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which have disrupted the gas market. With this decision, the EU seeks to guarantee a continuous supply and allow countries to purchase gas under more favorable conditions, adjusting their strategies throughout the year.
The new intermediate targets will be indicative, providing guidance on filling levels in stages prior to the high consumption season. This provides predictability to market players without imposing rigidities that could compromise purchasing efficiency.
Since its adoption in 2022, the regulation has helped the EU exceed its reserve targets each fall. Subway facilities account for about 30% of winter season consumption and are critical to maintaining gas flow in high demand scenarios or unplanned outages.
With the new regulation, European countries will have more adaptable tools to face a changing energy environment. The European Commission and the Council have highlighted that this extension strengthens the EU’s structural resilience, and also maintains a basis for competition in the gas marketThe European Commission and the Council have stressed that this extension strengthens the EU’s structural resilience, and also maintains a competitive basis in the gas market, seeking to avoid price manipulation or logistical bottlenecks.
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Source: European Council Council of the European Union
Photo: Shutterstock
