15:34 - 26.08.2026

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August 26, Fineko/abc.az. Dutch gas grid operator Gasunie announced that the country will fail to reach its gas storage targets ahead of the winter season. The operator warned that this situation leaves the country vulnerable to unusually harsh winter conditions or potential supply disruptions.

Due to summer storage replenishment not being commercially profitable, reaching the 115 terawatt-hour storage target appears unfeasible. According to Gas Infrastructure Europe (GIE) data, Netherlands' current gas storage levels stand at around 45%. This represents the lowest level recorded since data collection began in 2009 and falls significantly below the 5-year average of 73%.

Key figures and regional impact:

• Netherlands storage level: 45% (Lowest since 2009)

• 5-year average: 73%

• EU average storage level: ~63%

• Italy (via incentive mechanisms): 82%

• Impact on Germany: Germany, which imported over 20% of its fuel from the Netherlands last year, also sees storage levels below seasonal averages.