Reference News Network, January 27 report: According to RIA Novosti on January 26, Gazprom said that the natural gas reserves in underground storage facilities in France and Germany have dropped to historical lows.
According to the report, Gazprom stated on the Telegram social media platform: "Data from the European Gas Infrastructure Association shows that as of January 24, the storage levels in underground storage facilities in France and Germany were 36.6% and 37.4%, respectively, reaching the lowest levels ever recorded for this period." The Netherlands' storage levels are also approaching the lowest levels for this time of year.
The report states that the storage level in the only underground storage facility in the Baltic region is below one-third. Last year, the storage level in this region reached this level three months later than this year, when the peak gas usage period had already passed. Insufficient storage in Latvia's underground storage facilities may severely affect the stable supply of gas to the Baltic region and Finland. These regions are currently experiencing continuous cold weather.
The report says that Europe is consuming its reserve natural gas, having extracted 38.1 billion cubic meters, more than three-quarters of the reserves prepared for the heating season.
Gazprom said that technically, a reduction in working gas volume in underground storage facilities would reduce their peak-shaving and supply assurance capabilities.
The EU officially adopted regulations on the gradual ban of imports of pipeline and liquefied natural gas from Russia on January 26. According to the regulations, the full ban on imports of liquefied natural gas from Russia will take effect at the beginning of 2027, and the full ban on pipeline natural gas imports will take effect in the autumn of 2027. (Translation by Li Ran)
Original: toutiao.com/article/7599950821698880000/
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