By Kate Abnett BRUSSELS, March 26 (Reuters) - The European Commission urged EU governments on Thursday to start refilling gas storage caverns as soon as possible to prepare for next winter, as the
EU Encourages Early Gas Storage Refill Amid Iran Conflict Impact on Energy
European Commission's Response to Energy Market Disruptions
By Kate Abnett
Commission's Urgent Call for Gas Storage Refill
BRUSSELS, March 26 (Reuters) - The European Commission urged EU governments on Thursday to start refilling gas storage caverns as soon as possible to prepare for next winter, as the Iran war disrupts global fuel markets, EU diplomats told Reuters.
No Immediate Threat, But Proactive Measures Encouraged
In a closed-door meeting, the Commission repeated that there is no immediate threat to EU gas supply but encouraged governments to act to counter soaring prices, the diplomats said.
Recommended Timeline for Storage Refill
It urged countries to start filling storage in April to build stocks ahead of winter, they added.
Impact of Iran Conflict on European Gas Prices and Supply
Price Surge Since Outbreak of Conflict
European gas prices have jumped more than 70% since the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran began on February 28.
Disruption of Global Energy Flows
The conflict has upended energy markets by closing the Strait of Hormuz, which carries 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas flows, while Iranian attacks have knocked out 17% of Qatar's LNG export capacity.
EU Storage Targets and Current Status
Flexibility in Storage Requirements
The Commission also reiterated that governments can use a flexibility in EU law to lower their storage target to 80% of capacity ahead of winter, instead of the formal 90% requirement.
Current Storage Levels and Risks
EU gas storage is unusually low for this time of year, at just 28% full, data from Gas Infrastructure Europe showed.
Potential for Price Spikes
Brussels wants countries to refill early to avoid a dash for gas later in the year that could trigger fresh price spikes.
Challenges Due to High Prices
But soaring gas prices are deterring companies from buying gas for storage. Some countries' stocks are near empty, with the Netherlands at just 6% of capacity.
EU Gas Supply Security and Sources
Current Supply Situation
A Commission spokesperson told a news conference earlier on Thursday that there is currently no issue with EU gas supply, which relies mainly on Norway and the U.S. rather than Middle Eastern producers affected by attacks.
(Reporting by Kate Abnett. Editing by Mark Potter)
