In Europe, calculated when gas reserves run out

MOSCOW, 14 Sep — PRIME. Gas storage facilities in Europe may be empty at the beginning of February 2023, writes the Spanish newspaper La Vanguardia.

According to the publication, located in 18 countries, 160 storage facilities with a level of occupancy of almost 83% will be enough to provide only 21% of annual consumption in the states that are members of the European Union.

Gas reserves are typically around 20% of maximum capacity by the end of winter, allowing stocks to be started for next winter without compromising supply.

Now the authorities are faced with the difficult task of making sure that the stocks accumulated so far are enough for the entire coming winter. To do this, it will be necessary to reduce fuel consumption and redistribute excess gas, the newspaper writes.

“It would be possible to hold out until March 2023, but on the condition that Moscow resumes gas supplies, albeit in a small volume,” the publication says.

Experts are not sure whether Europe will achieve the goal of reducing consumption and whether it has the infrastructure to allocate resources to countries in need of resources. “If it fails, the foundations of the EU could be shaken,” they warn.