The European Commission called on member states to begin refilling gas storage facilities as early as April, warning that ongoing conflict involving Iran is creating significant turbulence in global energy markets ahead of next winter.
The recommendation, delivered during a closed-door meeting on Thursday, reflects growing concern in Brussels over price volatility rather than immediate supply shortages. EU diplomats said the Commission emphasized that while there is no direct threat to current gas supplies, governments must act proactively to shield their economies from further market shocks.
The appeal comes as energy markets remain unsettled following the outbreak of the US-Israeli war on Iran in late February. Since then, gas prices across Europe have surged by more than 70%, driven by supply fears and logistical disruptions.
At the center of the crises is the near shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for roughly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. The crises has been compounded by Iranian strikes that have disrupted approximately 17% of Qatar’s LNG export capacity, further tightening global supply.
Despite these pressures, the Commission reiterated that EU countries retain flexibility under existing regulations. Governments may opt to fill storage facilities to 80% capacity instead of the formal 90% target before winter, offering some relief amid rising costs.
However, current gas storages present a worrying picture. Data from European gas infrastructure operators show that storage levels stand at just 28%, an unusually low figure for this time of year. In some countries, the situation is even more acute; reserves in the Netherlands have dropped to less than 6% of total capacity.
Officials in Brussels are keen to avoid a repeat of past energy crises, where delayed stockpiling triggered price spikes and intensified competition for supplies. By encouraging early injections into storage, policymakers hope to smooth demand and prevent the market from overheating later in the year.
Still, high prices are discouraging companies from purchasing gas for storage, creating a paradox that could complicate the EU’s strategy. While supply lines remain stable, largely supported by imports from Norway and the United States, the bloc faces a narrowing window to prepare for winter without exacerbating market pressures.
As geopolitical risks persist, the EU’s call underscores a broader shift toward precautionary energy planning in an increasingly volatile global landscape.
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