EU countries are negotiating changes to their obligations to add gas to storage in 2026 and 2027.
Accordingly, countries want to change the goal of gas supply at 90% of storage capacity before November 1 to the goal of adding reserves at 90% at any time between October 1 and December 1.
However, these changes could also apply for this year, if the rules are finalized and published before November 1, EU diplomats note.
The EU will issue regulations on gas storage in 2022 after Russia cut gas supplies to the continent amid the conflict in Ukraine. This regulation is to ensure EU countries have fuel reserves in the winter.
The negotiation document was released by Poland - which holds the rotating presidency of the EU and chairs talks between member states - on April 2, confirming that the expected changes related to gas storage regulations will take effect from the date of announcement in the EU's official press release.
EU countries aim to agree on a common stance on the regulations next week, after which they will negotiate a final law with the European Parliament.
An EU diplomat said it could take months for the regulations to be agreed upon and published as EU law.
The EU also has gas reserve targets for February, May, July and September. Proposals from countries in the ongoing negotiations will turn these goals into voluntary goals in the coming years.
The European Commission initially wanted to extend the current binding target by two more years. But governments such as Germany, France and the Netherlands have opposed it because they want to ease regulations due to concerns that this target will increase gas prices. When European buyers have to buy gas in large quantities for a fixed period of time, there is a risk of price manipulation.
In addition to adjusting the target of gas reserves to 90% in November, EU member states will be allowed to store gas at a difference of up to 5% compared to the target in case market conditions are unfavorable.
