Due to the Iran war's impact on energy prices, the EU Commission has urged member states to lower gas storage filling targets from 90 to 80 percent. EU Commissioner Dan Jørgensen wrote in a letter that this could reduce gas demand and ease price pressures. The EU is better prepared for crises than in 2022.
The European Commission has called on Germany and other EU states to reduce their gas storage filling targets. This follows the Iran war's effects on global energy prices. EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen wrote to member states that lowering the usual 90 percent target to 80 percent could curb gas demand during tight supply periods and ease price pressures. The letter is available to the German Press Agency. Jørgensen noted attacks on energy infrastructure in the Middle East severely impacting oil and gas markets. Recent developments suggest Qatar's liquefied natural gas production may take longer to return to pre-crisis levels. Nevertheless, Jørgensen described the EU's supply security as currently relatively secure. Limited reliance on imports from the conflict region and LNG shipments passing the Strait of Hormuz even before the war contribute to this. The EU has also advanced through coordinated diversification efforts and accelerated expansion of domestic energy sources, making it better prepared than in 2022. Back then, Russia's invasion of Ukraine caused supply shortages and sharp price rises, prompting the introduction of binding gas storage filling targets to ensure winter supplies for households and businesses.