In anticipation of the winter cold, Europeans began to actively draw gas from underground storage facilities (UGS). This was reported by the Gas Infrastructure Europe (GIE) with reference to data analysis.
According to the information provided, the daily fuel withdrawal rate has almost doubled compared to the same period in 2022. As of December 19, EU countries have withdrawn approximately 380 million cubic meters from storage facilities. m gas. Reserves fell the most in France (about 100 million cubic meters of gas). Italy (100 million) and Germany (40 million). According to GIE, the total occupancy rate of underground gas storage facilities in the European Union dropped to 88.35 percent. This is one of the highest figures in the last five years, but it is gradually falling.
Since the start of the sampling season, that is, since November, Europeans have already consumed almost 12.5 billion cubic meters of blue fuel. At this rate, the European Commission believes that existing reserves in underground storage facilities will allow the EU to survive the entire winter without experiencing shortages. Let us remind you that the member countries of the association fill 90% of their underground gas storage facilities during the summer months; This is a record number.
“Storage plays an important role in ensuring energy security. They cover up to a third of the EU’s gas needs in winter,” GIE quotes EC representatives.
Officials also noted that despite the decrease in supply from Russia, gas reserves in Europe are sufficient for a stable heating season.
Before that, European companies to lose money due to the situation in the Red Sea.
Previously Borrell clarified The new dependence of the EU after the rejection of Russian gas.