Gas reserves in underground storage facilities (UGS) in Europe have been depleted due to abnormal cold weather. According to Gas Infrastructure Europe, they fell to 33 percent – the lowest level for the last two years. There was only less fuel in the storage facilities in 2018, when they were 18 percent full.

The volume of gas in underground storage facilities in Italy decreased to 39 percent, in Austria – to 33 percent, in Germany and the Netherlands – to 27 percent, in France – to 18 percent. Gas withdrawal from UGS facilities traditionally continues until late March – early April, so reserves will continue to decline.

Underground gas storages were emptied in February after a cold front called “The Beast from the East 2” came to Europe.