Baku, August 7, AZERTAC
Europe's natural gas storage levels have dropped to their lowest level for early August since 2011, raising concerns over supply security and the risk of higher prices ahead of the winter heating season, according to Anadolu Agency.
Gas storage facilities across the European Union were 57% full as of Aug. 5, according to Gas Infrastructure Europe data.
The level is significantly below the nearly 70% recorded at the same time last year.
Storage injections have progressed more slowly than in previous years after the 2025/26 winter, as tighter global LNG supply and disruptions linked to the Middle East crisis reduced cargo availability for Europe and increased competition from Asian buyers.
The slower refill pace has raised doubts over whether the EU will reach its indicative target of filling storage sites to 80% by the beginning of December.
Analysts warn that lower inventories could leave the market more vulnerable to price volatility during the winter months, particularly if colder-than-normal weather increases heating demand.
Wood Mackenzie said Europe's low storage levels have heightened supply security risks for the 2026/27 winter months, adding that limited growth in global LNG supply and firm demand in Asia are expected to keep gas prices elevated through the season.