EU Confident of Avoiding Winter Gas Shortages Despite Low Reserves

The European Union says it is well-prepared to face gas supply disruptions this winter, citing its diverse energy mix and increased imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG).

In a statement following a meeting with member states, the EU said it was on track to achieve adequate levels of winter preparedness, despite global tensions affecting energy flows.

The bloc has turned to LNG as an alternative to Russian piped supplies since Russia's conflict in Ukraine began in 2022, and much of this gas comes from the United States, where shale natural gas reserves support the sector.

The EU's statement follows reports suggesting dire straits for the bloc, with gas reserves at a multi-year low. However, data shows that overall EU gas storage levels are 65% full, although Dutch storage is only 48% full and French storage is at 72% of its peak capacity.