European gas storage levels have dropped to 54% capacity, the second lowest for this time of year in 15 years, raising serious concerns ahead of the winter heating season. Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East threaten LNG supplies, while Poland stands out with its reserves at over 81%.
The filling level of EU gas storage facilities is 54%, significantly below the five-year average of 67.3% for this period. The head of Norway’s Equinor, the largest gas supplier to the EU, warned that reaching the 80% target before winter may prove impossible. The situation is aggravated by the conflict in the Middle East, where approximately 20% of global LNG trade passes through the Strait of Hormuz. Any disruption on this route immediately tightens the market.
Geopolitical risks compound storage challenges
Europe is facing a dual threat. The Strait of Hormuz is not the only bottleneck – the Houthis have renewed threats to attack ships in the Red Sea, potentially blocking the Bab al-Mandab strait and the Suez Canal. This forces global energy markets to deal with simultaneous problems on two critical shipping lanes. As a result, more LNG cargoes are diverted to Asian buyers, intensifying competition with Europe for available supplies. The EU no longer has large volumes of Russian pipeline gas to fall back on, limiting its ability to compensate for storage deficits.
– Achieving the 80% storage target before winter may prove impossible – said the head of Norway’s Equinor, the largest gas supplier to the EU.
Poland’s relative security
Against this bleak European backdrop, Poland presents a more optimistic picture. According to Gas Infrastructure Europe, Polish gas storage facilities are filled at 81.30%, well above the five-year seasonal average of 75.4%. This gives Warsaw a strategic cushion heading into the heating season. While the overall European trend remains alarming, Poland’s diversified supply sources – including LNG terminals and the Baltic Pipe – provide a buffer against geopolitical shocks. The coming months will test whether other EU member states can catch up before demand peaks.
Źródło: WNP.PL, Fot. Shutterstock/Gagarin Iurii
