10:37 - 29.09.2026

---

September 29, Fineko/abc.az. European underground natural gas storage levels have fallen to historical seasonal lows due to the total loss of Russian pipeline gas and tightening global LNG supplies. EU storage capacity currently stands at 71%, significantly below the historical average of 87% (with Germany at just 57%).

A narrowing summer-winter price spread has made commercial gas storage unprofitable for private traders, forcing governments to step in with strategic state reserves. According to the IEA, 9 EU member states hold a combined 12 billion cubic meters in strategic gas reserves. Lower inventory levels increase the risk of severe price spikes and renewed inflationary pressure if Europe faces a harsh winter or further supply disruptions.