Commission proposes to extend gas storage obligations and offers more flexibility for refilling season to ensure security of supply at fair prices
The Commission has proposed today to prolong EU gas storage obligations until the end of 2027 to ensure security of energy supply and help stabilise the European gas markets.
At the same time, for the upcoming storage filling season of summer 2025, the Commission will provide more flexibility to Member States by taking into account the specific developments on the gas market. This will help them fill their facilities throughout the season at optimal purchase conditions.
Today’s proposal for a two-year extension of the Regulation is accompanied by a Commission recommendation on the gas storage filling targets for 2025 which also invites the Member States to take into account the current market conditions when deciding on national measures to refill storage. Enhanced flexibility in reaching the targets helps to avoid potential market distortions.
Commissioner for Energy and Housing Dan Jørgensen said: “Gas storage has shielded EU citizens from the risk of supply disruptions and this is why it is crucial that we continue with this tool. However, Member States need sufficient flexibility to fill the storage throughout the summer under the best conditions. We are recommending this flexibility today to avoid market distortions in the current situation and reduce the stress in the market.”
A report on the functioning of the legislation, also adopted today, highlights that the Gas Storage Regulation has helped ensure stable supplies and less volatile gas markets since its adoption in 2022.
