(Adnkronos) – The twenty-seven EU member states today gave their final approval to the European Commission’s proposal to extend by two years the current obligation for member states to have their gas storage facilities at 90% of capacity before the winter season. However, they have introduced changes that will allow them to deviate from the target in the event of market disruptions.
The current storage obligations, which expire at the end of 2025, were adopted in 2022 following Russia’s war against Ukraine to guarantee supply and avoid price volatility. The current binding target of 90% for gas storage is maintained, but with the flexibility to reach it at any time between 1 October and 1 December, replacing the current deadline of 1 November.
The capitals have also introduced the possibility of deviating by 10% from the binding target of 90%, in the event that unfavorable market conditions make it difficult to fill the tanks. Furthermore, through a delegated act, the Commission may increase the flexibility to achieve the filling target up to a further 5%, if unfavorable market conditions persist.
