Dutch winter gas storage levels reach minimum limit of 64%

The Netherlands has met its target for filling its gas reserves before the onset of winter, but only after reducing its limit to the European Union minimum of 64%.

The Dutch government set a target of 80% capacity by November 1 in 2022, after the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine sent wholesale prices soaring.

Last year it only managed to reach 73.6%, while a surge in prices triggered by the United States’ military action against Iran prompted the state energy company EBN, which is responsible for buying winter supplies, to reduce its orders.

In August the reserves were 45% full, prompting EBN to ask the government to lower its target to 64%, the minimum level agreed between EU member states.

Since then the reserves have been filled to 65.5% and the company hopes to be able to keep topping up supplies for another two weeks.

Last year the level peaked on November 1 and began falling on November 7. At the lowest point, on April 2, the reserves were just 4.5% full.