Gazprom warns EU gas storage at ‘critically low’ levels

Russian energy giant Gazprom announced Monday that natural gas storage levels across the European Union have dropped to what it described as “critically low” levels, even as the European Commission urges member states to begin replenishing reserves as soon as possible. Citing Gas Infrastructure Europe data from March 28, Gazprom reported that EU storage facilities are currently 28 percent full, with the withdrawal season still ongoing in several parts of the bloc. Countries including Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Croatia, the Czech Republic, and Sweden continue to draw gas from storage.

A stark year-on-year decline

Gazprom CEO Alexey Miller highlighted the dramatic deterioration compared to previous years. On the same date in 2025, storage levels stood at 33.5 percent; in 2024, they were at 58.7 percent. The situation is particularly acute in the EU’s largest gas-consuming nations. Storage sites in Germany, France, and the Netherlands are on average only 17.4 percent full. Dutch underground facilities hold just 5.3 percent of capacity as of March 28—a record low, according to Gazprom.

Winter fears and demand pressures

Miller warned that European underground reserves may not reach even 70 percent by the start of the next withdrawal season, leaving the continent dangerously exposed to any supply disruption or cold snap. He noted that colder-than-normal temperatures last week in several key gas-consuming regions increased demand, further straining already depleted inventories. The warning comes as global energy markets remain volatile due to the Middle East conflict and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Türkiye’s strategic energy buffer

While Europe faces a precarious gas situation, Türkiye has pursued a diversified energy strategy that reduces its vulnerability to such shocks. Ankara has invested in multiple pipeline routes, floating storage and regasification units (FSRUs), and underground storage expansion. Türkiye’s strategic position as a transit hub between East and West also allows it to play a stabilizing role in regional energy security. Turkish officials have consistently advocated for supply diversification and infrastructure resilience—lessons that European capitals are now urgently trying to apply as their own reserves dwindle to critical lows.