EU member states are set to support more flexible gas storage rules before winter, addressing criticism that current targets drive up prices. Ambassadors will meet to approve a 10 percentage-point deviation from the 90% full requirement until 2027.
The new regulations could take effect before the next heating season, aiming to ease market distortions caused by rules implemented during the energy crisis. Critics, including Germany, argue that the rules inflated prices by encouraging speculative buying.The push for flexible storage rules, along with the trade war’s impact, has led to a sharp drop in European gas prices. Gas futures hit their lowest since September.
EU lawmakers will vote on the storage regulation on April 24. The EPP supports a balanced approach, ensuring energy security while returning to market-based mechanisms, said negotiator Andrea Wechsler.The proposals would replace the Nov. 1 deadline with a range from Oct. 1 to Dec. 1, allowing countries to adjust the 90% target based on market conditions.
Some nations could have an extra 5% deviation, provided it doesn’t harm the gas market or neighboring supplies. Poland aims for the rules to start by September and will represent member states in talks with the European Parliament.
The European Commission told member states that the storage goal would effectively become 67% before winter through 2027, with extra flexibility. Europe’s gas storage is currently about 35% full. Eurogas called for clarity on storage rules before summer, warning that uncertainty could affect refilling efforts. Eurogas Secretary General Andreas Guth emphasized the need for less market intervention and more trust in the market.
