Brief
ENTSO‑G warns UK gas reserves could hit zero this winter
The European gas operators’ body says UK storage may fall to 0 % if a cold snap hits, prompting calls for North Sea projects and LNG supply.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Britain could run out of gas by the end of winter if a cold snap hits, a new report from the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Gas (ENTSOG) warned on Monday. The analysis says UK storage facilities could be completely depleted, leaving the country reliant on limited EU backup and costly US liquefied natural gas (LNG).
ENTSO‑G notes that UK reserves are projected to fall to 0 % while EU gas reserves sit at 72 % of capacity, well below the 88 % level considered safe. The report adds that EU backup storage capacity is expected to drop to 11 % of total, far under the 30 % minimum deemed secure.
To avoid a household‑bill crisis, the report urges the UK government to back the controversial Jackdaw and Rosebank North Sea projects and maintain strong LNG deliveries throughout winter. Energy forecaster Cornwall Insight predicts bills could rise by £276 to £1,999 a year in January.
Ongoing Middle‑East tensions are also tightening global LNG markets, with disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz limiting exports from Qatar and the UAE and increasing competition for cargoes between Europe and Asia.
Key facts
- ENTSO‑G warns UK gas storage could fall to zero by winter’s end (independent.co.uk)
- EU gas reserves are 72 % full, below the 88 % safety threshold (independent.co.uk)
- UK backup storage capacity may drop to 11 % of total (independent.co.uk)
- Cornwall Insight forecasts UK household gas bills could rise by £276 in January (independent.co.uk)
- Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz are limiting LNG exports from Qatar and the UAE (independent.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “Britain is at risk of running out of gas this winter, report warns”
