EU gas reserves were 71.5% full at the end of September, compared to 82.5% a year earlier, with recent October data showing them at 73.8%. The US provided 62% of the bloc's LNG this year, while Russia's share was 15%. Although the EU Commission claims the gas system is prepared, a spokesperson warned that high prices and volatile supplies could trigger an affordability crisis. Reserves in Germany are roughly 60% full, while France is at 87%.
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Story
Europe Risks Bidding War for US LNG Before Russian Import Ban
Commodities6 days ago
Global spot prices for natural gas have doubled in twelve months, squeezing the available supply for the coming winter. This price surge increases the likelihood of a bidding war between Europe and Asia for liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments from the US, as the EU implements a ban on Russian LNG imports in January. S&P Global forecasts that LNG imports into the EU and UK will rise 6.5% to 491M cubic meters a day in the fourth quarter to compensate for a thin storage buffer.
Looking for more context or analysis?
Tilt chat provides reliable, tailored insights, alerts, and automations.