Baku:European Union The current filling level of underground gas storage facilities across European Union countries stands at 71.16%, marking a significant decrease compared to previous years.

According to Azeri-Press news agency, this percentage is 15.61 points below the five-year average for this time of year and 11.14 points lower than the 82.3% recorded in the same period last year. This is the lowest level observed since records began in 2011.

Currently, EU storage facilities contain approximately 77.9 billion cubic meters of gas, which is 13 billion cubic meters less than the levels recorded in 2025, making it the lowest since 2013. The European Commission mandates that EU countries achieve a 90% filling level in their storage facilities between October 1 and December 1 annually, with a 10% flexibility mechanism for challenging conditions.

To meet these regulatory requirements by the start of the 2026-2027 autumn-winter season, net gas injections into Europe's storage facilities need to reach at least 68 billion cubic meters. However, last year, Europe managed only around 55 billion cubic meters. Transportation of Azerbaijani gas to Europe via the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline commenced on December 31, 2020.