Gazprom causations of jeopardizing supply of gas to consumers across EU

(MENAFN) Gazprom has warned that a combination of severe cold spells and lower-than-needed gas reserves could threaten stable gas deliveries to consumers throughout the European Union, according to reports.

The EU sharply curtailed its purchases of Russian oil and gas after the Ukraine conflict escalated in February 2022. In response, Moscow shifted much of its energy export flow toward Asian markets, especially China and India.

In a message shared on Monday, the company stated, “With several months of winter weather ahead, insufficient gas reserves in storage could put the reliable supply of gas to European consumers at risk.”

Gazprom pointed to data from Gas Infrastructure Europe (GIE) showing that the EU saw its highest-ever daily gas withdrawals in the three days leading up to November 21. The company noted that storage levels had already dropped below 80% by that date — among the lowest early-winter levels recorded over the past decade.

When the withdrawal season began on October 13, inventories across the EU stood at just 83% capacity. Major storage hubs were even lower, with Germany reportedly at 76% and the Netherlands at 72%.

EU rules require member states to fill underground gas storage to 90% between October 1 and December 1.

The bloc has increasingly relied on liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports after choosing to phase out cheaper Russian pipeline supplies. Before the conflict, Russian gas accounted for roughly 40% of the EU’s usage.

Despite the shift, Russia still maintains a significant share of Europe’s energy supply, with around 19% of the bloc’s gas imports last year originating from the country. Several EU members remain dependent on these deliveries.

In November, EU energy ministers endorsed a European Commission plan calling for a full phase-out of Russian oil and gas by 2028 as part of ongoing sanctions.

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