ROME, November 3. /TASS/. Gas reserves in European storage facilities are at their lowest level since 2013, Il Sole 24 Ore newspaper reported, citing a report by the International Energy Agency (IEA).
As of the end of October, gas storage facilities in the EU were 75% full, below the mandatory 80% threshold and the lowest level in 13 years. According to the newspaper, this could trigger further tensions in global markets.
The low level of reserves is attributed to the situation surrounding the Strait of Hormuz and disruptions to maritime shipping. These developments, in turn, have driven up prices, which buyers had hoped would decline over the summer. At current storage levels, gas injection volumes are putting the ability to complete the heating season without disruptions at risk.
Meanwhile, Italy reports that its gas storage facilities are 95% full. In many other European countries, however, storage levels remain well below the EU requirement.