Dutch gas reserves too low for cold winter, warns energy operator

The Netherlands risks entering the winter with insufficient gas reserves, Gasunie has warned. A spokesperson confirmed the concern after a report in De Telegraaf, saying that companies are not buying enough gas to refill storage facilities at the pace normally expected during this period. According to the gas network operator, stocks are being replenished too slowly ahead of the colder months.

Gasunie figures show that Dutch underground gas storage sites are currently operating at just 19.5 percent capacity, a level the company says is well below where it should be at this stage of the year.

“Right now, with the warm weather, gas is not on people’s minds,” a spokesperson said. “But winter arrives sooner than you think. Building up reserves cannot be left until November, storage facilities need to be replenished steadily over a longer period.”

Dutch gas stocks dropped to their lowest point in more than a decade in early April, largely as a result of a cold winter that increased demand. Efforts to rebuild reserves have also become more costly, with gas prices surging following the conflict in the Middle East and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, raising the expense of filling storage facilities for the winter season.

Gasunie has also criticised the timing of the government's plans for a strategic gas reserve, arguing that a decision should be made sooner rather than later. While Climate Minister Stientje van Veldhoven is expected to present a proposal around Prinsjesdag, the gas network operator says waiting until then could leave little room for action before winter.

“We appreciate that the minister must balance the interests of several stakeholders,” a spokesperson said. “However, if a decision is postponed until the autumn, the timeline will become extremely tight.”

The spokesperson would not say whether the current situation could ultimately lead to gas shortages in the Netherlands.

“What we are pointing out is that margins are tightening, storage levels remain low and action is required,” she said. “At the moment, the country is not adequately prepared for next winter.”

The government has already taken steps to strengthen gas security by directing state-owned energy company Energie Beheer Nederland (EBN) to build a temporary emergency stockpile of around 5 TWh of gas.

According to the Ministry of Climate and Green Growth, that means a strategic reserve is already being created. Officials said EBN remains on track with its storage targets and stressed that the refill season is far from over. The ministry added that further intervention remains an option if needed, although any additional measures would first require careful assessment.