EU countries are discussing potential adjustments to future gas storage targets, focusing on filling obligations for 2026 and 2027, reported Reuters, citing sources.
They are considering shifting from the current binding target of reaching 90% storage by 1 November to a more flexible goal that allows for this level to be achieved anytime between 1 October and 1 December.
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These changes could also impact this year’s target if the rules are finalised and published before 1 November.
The gas storage regulations were implemented in 2022 in response to Russia’s reduction in supply following its invasion of Ukraine, ensuring that EU countries maintain a reserve of stored fuel for the winter months.
A negotiating document published by Poland, which holds the EU’s rotating presidency, confirmed that the planned changes would apply from the day after they are published in the EU’s official journal of laws.
EU countries aim to reach a consensus on their collective position next week, after which they will need to negotiate the final legislation with the European Parliament, the report said.
According to an EU diplomat, it may take months for the rules to be agreed upon and published as EU law, likely affecting the November filling target, but other goals for the preceding months will remain unchanged.
The EU also has gas storage targets for February, May, July and September, which may become voluntary in future years.
Negotiations are ongoing, and the impact on the 2025 targets, as well as other proposed amendments, could still be subject to change.
The European Commission originally sought to extend the current system of binding targets for an additional two years but encountered opposition from Germany, France and the Netherlands.
Countries favour more relaxed rules due to concerns that fixed targets could drive up gas prices, signalling to the market that European buyers are required to purchase large quantities by set deadlines, which could potentially lead to price manipulation.
The latest document showed that member states could deviate by up to five percentage points from the 90% requirement in case of “unfavourable” market conditions, the report stated.
