As reported by Oilprice.com, the European Parliament has approved eased requirements for gas storage refills in the EU. This move is expected to help prevent sudden spikes in energy prices. Under the new rules, countries in the region must reach the 90% goal between October 1 and December 1, extending the previous deadline of November 1.
Moreover, member states are now allowed to deviate from the target by up to 10 percentage points in case of unfavorable market conditions, such as speculative actions that disrupt cost-effective gas storage filling. According to Oilprice.com, the European Commission reserves the right to further increase the limit by additional 5 percentage points if the situation does not improve.
Meanwhile, the 90% requirement for filling gas storage has been extended for two more years—until the end of 2027. As European Parliament rapporteur Borys Budka emphasized, the updated rules will provide greater regulatory flexibility, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and help lower gas prices. These measures now await formal approval from EU member states, according to the website.