BRUSSELS — EU: Gas supply remains stable despite low storage levels

BRUSSELS, September 25 /ATA-AA/ — The European Union’s gas supply remains stable, even though storage levels are below the historical average, the European Commission announced as the bloc continues preparations for the coming winter.

According to a statement, the Commission’s Gas Coordination Group met on September 24 to assess current conditions in the gas market and preparations for winter.

The group reviewed the state of gas supply in the EU and concluded that supply remains stable despite storage levels below the historical average.

– Winter preparedness report expected in October

The group also discussed the preliminary findings of the Winter Supply Outlook report by the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Gas (ENTSOG), expected to be published on October 8.

The meeting also reviewed the implementation of EU gas supply rules, designed to protect the supply of protected consumers, including households and essential services, in the event of serious supply disruptions.

The group confirmed that the EU rules in force provide protection for the supply of these consumers in the event of a major disruption.

– Next meeting on October 8

The Commission announced that the next meeting of the Gas Coordination Group, which will also be attended by gas associations, is scheduled for October 8.

After the previous meeting on September 3, the Commission had said there was no immediate risk to the security of gas supply in the EU, despite lower storage levels.

According to the Commission, increased capacity for liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports, diversification of supply sources and reduced gas demand are supporting the resilience of gas supply in the bloc.