New energy warning in Europe: gas reserves in the Netherlands are almost depleted
According to the TASS, citing data from Gas Infrastructure Europe (GIE), gas storage levels in underground facilities in the Netherlands have fallen below 11%.
This marks the first time in history that such a low level has been recorded at this point in February.
As of February 25, storage levels stood at 10.95% in facilities that are among the largest in Europe by capacity.
Other European countries are also actively withdrawing gas:
in Germany 20.5%, Austria 36.4%, France 21%, and Italy 47.9%.
Additional levels include: Slovakia 28.8%, Hungary 36.5%, Czech Republic 31.5%, Romania 35.6%, Bulgaria 43.6%, Belgium 25.1%, Denmark 26.2%, Latvia 19.9%, and Croatia 12.2%.
Since the start of the cold season on October 13, EU countries have withdrawn about 64 billion cubic meters of gas from storage.
Net withdrawals amounted to approximately 58 billion cubic meters, which is 4 billion more than the volume injected during the summer.
On the 136th day after peak storage, withdrawals were 6% higher than the five-year average.
Underground gas storage is one of the most important tools for ensuring energy security in Europe, with gas stored in summer for winter demand.
The rapid decline in reserves could increase pressure on energy prices and raise concerns about supply shortages, especially as Europe has become more dependent on alternative sources following reduced imports of Russian gas.
