The European Union is targeting an 80% gas storage filling rate this winter

The European Commission has said it is aiming for a natural gas storage filling rate of 80% this winter, below the 90% target. Storage stood at 61.6% on 19 August, 12.5 points below last year's level on the same date. Current rules require member states to fill underground storage to 90% of capacity between 1 October and 1 December. However, they may lower the target to 80% in the event of difficult market conditions, and may even obtain a further 5-point waiver if unfavourable conditions persist. A Commission spokeswoman said there was no risk to the European Union's security of supply.