Europe faces urgent LNG import race to fill storage ahead of winter

A new analysis warns that European gas storage levels are critically low, requiring a rapid acceleration in liquefied natural gas imports to avoid supply shortfalls this winter.

Av Handelsavisen Newsroom · Automatisert 30. juli 2026, 16:30 UTC · 1 min lesetid

European energy markets are facing a tightening window to secure adequate gas supplies for the upcoming winter season.

A new "Gas Balance Analysis July 2026" published by the Energy Economics Institute (EWI) highlights the urgency, stating that Europe needs to import liquefied natural gas (LNG) quickly and in large volumes to fill storage facilities to safe levels.

1 billion cubic meters in June, marking the lowest monthly import volume in ten months.

The warning comes as European LNG imports have already shown signs of weakness.

Data indicates that flows into the EU transmission system fell to approximately 10.1 billion cubic meters in June, marking the lowest monthly import volume in ten months.

This decline suggests that the continent is starting the critical filling season from a position of relative deficit, increasing the pressure on spot markets and long-term contracts.

The reliance on LNG has become a cornerstone of European energy security, particularly as the region continues to adjust its supply mix.