What happened
Europe has entered the winter season with low gas reserves, sparking concerns about supply security and prices. Gas storage facilities across the European Union are approximately 71% full, below the European Commission's target of 80%. However, Lithuania has reported that its gas supplies are secure, despite the Inčukalns facility in Latvia, which stores gas for the Baltic states and Finland, being only about 48% full.
Experts in Lithuania say the country has stored enough gas to meet household needs and ensure the security of its gas system. The country's liquefied natural gas terminal at Klaipėda and its interconnection with Poland provide additional safeguards. Energy officials believe Lithuania can meet its gas needs through imports via the LNG terminal, even during the coldest part of the heating season.
The European Commission has urged consumers and businesses to reduce energy consumption, citing the need to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The commission is expected to publish its assessment of the bloc's winter preparedness in early October, along with proposals to reduce energy costs for consumers.
