Europe enters winter with low natural gas stocks

The European Network of Gas Transmission System Operators (ENTSOG) published the natural gas supply outlook report for the 2026-2027 winter period.

The report evaluated the adequacy of Europe's natural gas infrastructure under different supply and demand conditions in the period 1 October 2026-31 March 2027.

The report noted that the occupancy rate of underground natural gas storages in the EU was at 72 percent as of October 1, and said, "Europe is entering winter with historically low storage levels in an environment where global gas prices are high and variable." evaluation was made.

The report pointed out that natural gas tanks play a critical role in meeting demand and ensuring supply security during the winter months, and stated that gas injection into tanks should be continued at the beginning of winter and stock levels should be closely monitored.

The report reminded that natural gas tanks met approximately 26 percent of the EU's total gas consumption in the 2025-2026 winter period and 30 percent in the 2024-2025 winter period, and argued that Europe's natural gas infrastructure has sufficient flexibility to meet the demand.

The report stated that Europe's liquefied natural gas (LNG) regasification capacity could partially compensate for low stock levels.

The report emphasized the importance of continuing LNG shipments throughout the winter and warned that if LNG supply remains limited, the occupancy rate in natural gas tanks may fall well below 30 percent at the end of winter.