New rules for filling European storage facilities to cool down natural gas prices

This Friday, the 27 member states of the European Union are expected to endorse a joint agreement allowing for a 10% leeway in filling underground gas storage facilities to 90%. The adjusted capacity could be reached by the winter of 2027. If the European Parliament follows suit in the upcoming negotiations, the revised rules will be in place before the next heating season.

The deadline for fuel storage replenishment could be replaced with a broader range of October 1 to December 1, 2025. In addition, countries would be allowed to deviate from the 90% filling target by 10–15%, depending on future conditions, as long as this does not harm the EU gas market or affect supplies to neighboring nations. 

These adjustments were proposed in response to concerns that reduced fuel supplies from Russia could leave Europe vulnerable during the cold winter months. However, Germany argued that the existing rules have only contributed to rising gas prices as traders have anticipated higher costs and adjusted their positions accordingly.

Monitoring energy markets remains a top priority for EU governments. A plan to introduce more flexible rules on storage loading has already led to a significant drop in prices, taking them to their lowest since September 2024.