Gas supply: MEPs to push storage refill flexibility to reduce prices
To address gas market speculation and bring down prices, Ϸվ is set to endorse more flexible EU rules on gas storage refilling.
In a debate on Wednesday and a vote on Thursday, plenary is expected to back a Commission proposal to extend the to 31 December 2027, beyond the original timeline of the end of 2025. The scheme is designed to ensure security of gas supply ahead of the winter season, taking into account Europe's dependence on non-EU countries for primary energy supplies and the protracted energy crisis following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
MEPs will vote on additional amendments to ease the issue of increased gas market activity each year in anticipation of reaching the scheme’s compulsory annual target of a 90% fill rate by 1 November. The draft text prepared by the Energy Committee suggests lowering the gas storage filling target from 90% to 83%, to balance energy security with the impact of supply and demand pressures in the gas market, and consequently reducing gas prices. This updated annual target would have to be met between October 1 and December 1 and member states would be able to deviate from it in case of market disruptions or high demand (but there would be a minimum refill target of 75%).
Procedure Code: 2025/0051(COD)
Debate: Wednesday, 7 May
Vote: Thursday, 8 May
Procedure: Ordinary legislative procedure, first reading