Netherlands ready to meet EU gas storage targets by November

The Dutch government is confident that the country will reach its gas storage targets before the upcoming heating season, aiming to ease market concerns on the matter. According to Tim van Dijk, spokesman for the Ministry of Climate Policy and Green Growth, current fuel reserve volumes meet the European Union (EU) threshold levels for July. By November, the figure is expected to reach 80%, Bloomberg reports.

Traders are closely monitoring the country’s preparations for the winter, concerned about its lag behind other EU nations, such as France, Italy, and Austria. Currently, Dutch gas storage facilities are slightly over 50% full—the lowest level for July since 2021.

However, Gas Infrastructure Europe data indicate that accelerated gas injections by the state-owned energy company EBN BV have begun this month. The firm has already started filling the PGI Alkmaar facility.

Additionally, in 2026, the government plans to begin creating an emergency natural gas reserve. The decision is driven by the country’s growing import dependence following the reduction in local production capacity.