Member states in Europe are obliged to replenish gas stocks | the interior

In a communication draft, which de Tejd was able to peruse, the European Commission speaks of a “growing gas crisis”. Energy prices are still “at a record high” and may continue to rise. The committee warns that volatility will continue until at least 2023. Energy prices also remained the main driver of inflation this year.

European tools are not enough to contain this crisis. Gas supply is a particular problem, especially with geopolitical tensions between Russia and the West. Europe depends on imports for 90 percent of its gas consumption. Natural gas reserves are also significantly decreasing. In February, available storage was 30 percent full. This is 10 percent less than in previous years.

Therefore, the Commission announces legislation obligating member states to replenish their gas stocks by the end of September each year. Specifically, a commitment to refill up to 80 percent of capacity is being considered, according to an EU sources report. In Europe, strategic storage of gas stocks is not mandatory. International agreements on oil have been in effect since the oil crisis of the 1970s.

In addition, the Commission wants to operationalize the 2009 commitment to share energy supplies in times of crisis. The European Commission must play the role of arbiter in this obligatory solidarity.

Another dogma has fallen: cashless trust in the free market. Governments can offer financial incentives to companies that provide storage capacity to fill storage tanks to the required level. Excessive storage prices may prevent or guarantee non-discriminatory access.