EU Faces Increased Pressure to Boost LNG Imports Ahead of Winter
Poinews.com – As the colder months approach, the European Union is under pressure to secure higher levels of liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports this summer to refill gas reserves that have been significantly depleted. This assessment comes from the bloc’s energy regulator coordination body, ACER, which highlights the challenge posed by ongoing market instability linked to the Middle East conflict and the intermittent closure of the crucial Strait of Hormuz.
Storage Levels at Four-Year Low
At the beginning of the summer injection period on 1 April, EU gas storage was only 28% full, marking the lowest level in four years. This shortage has sparked worries about the EU’s ability to meet its legal requirement of 90% storage by 1 November, a benchmark established after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. While the European Commission initially advised member states to maintain reserves at 80% to prepare for potential disruptions, it granted some flexibility to prevent premature panic buying, allowing certain countries to store as little as 70%.
ACER’s report indicates that achieving the 90% target will require a 13% rise in LNG imports compared to 2025. Although the EU might still reach the 80% threshold with last year’s volumes, the 90% level demands a substantial increase in supply. Market dynamics, however, are complicating efforts, as rising prices driven by the Iran conflict have reduced the incentive for traders to stockpile gas.
“For the EU, the direct supply impact is relatively limited – Qatari LNG made up around 8% of imports in 2025, although some member states remain more exposed than others – but the market remains highly sensitive to global price fluctuations and competition for LNG cargoes, especially with Asia,” ACER stated in its report.
Asian Demand Drives EU’s LNG Shortfall
Ronald Pinto, an energy analyst at Kpler, explained that the Middle East conflict has prompted Asian buyers to increase LNG purchases from the Atlantic basin in May and June. This surge is attributed to China’s growing restocking needs and sustained demand in South Asia, notably in India. Pinto noted that this shift has led to reduced LNG inflows into the EU, even as European storage levels remain about 10 percentage points below last year’s average.
“European buyers have not aggressively pursued additional LNG supply despite storage capacities now standing at roughly 49% – similar to levels seen in 2022,” Pinto added.
According to Kpler data, LNG imports into the EU during May and June 2025 were 2.37 million tonnes greater than in the same period this year. Pinto also emphasized that market participants are still anticipating a gradual return of Middle Eastern LNG exports, which could ease prices and provide Europe with more affordable supply options later in the year.
Phasing Out Russian Gas Supplies
The EU’s plan to reduce reliance on Russian gas is further tightening supply. Since June, imports of Russian pipeline gas under short-term contracts have been halted, though LNG from Moscow has seen an uptick this year. Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen recently reiterated the commitment to eliminating all Russian gas imports, stating, “One step at a time, we are phasing out all remaining imports of Russian gas from our energy system. The goal is clear: getting to zero.”
Jørgensen explained that this move is vital for energy security, market resilience, and supporting Ukraine’s independence. However, the report acknowledges that current storage injections are below both the 10-year average and last year’s pace, underscoring the urgency of securing sufficient LNG supplies on global markets.
