The pace of natural gas injections into European underground storage facilities dropped to its lowest level since mid-May on the first day of July, according to data cited by TASS.
The slowdown coincides with a period of hot weather and reduced wind power generation, which has increased demand for gas-fired electricity while simultaneously limiting the window for filling reserves.
The persistent underfilling stems from a 19% year-on-year decline in gas injections during the injection season.
As of July 1, storage levels stood at 49.22%, a significant shortfall compared to the 59.2% fill rate recorded at the same time last year.
This marks a continuation of a sluggish injection season; by the end of June, Europe had filled only one-third of the volumes typically required for the upcoming winter.
The injection rate for the first half of the year has been notably weak, with stocks ending June at 49.09%, the lowest level for the period in five years.
The persistent underfilling stems from a 19% year-on-year decline in gas injections during the injection season.