Brussels is bracing for a difficult winter as energy markets face renewed pressure. In a letter dated September 25 and obtained by POLITICO, EU Commissioner for Energy and Housing Dan Jørgensen called on national ministers to implement proactive measures aimed at curbing electricity and gas consumption. Pointing to restricted global availability and severe price volatility, Jørgensen stressed that lowering overall demand remains a vital instrument to shield consumers from skyrocketing costs.
While assuring officials that immediate supply security is not compromised, the commissioner noted that Europe’s current inventory landscape looks alarming. Underground gas storage is currently filled to only 68% of capacity—trailing behind the 71% recorded at the same juncture in 2021 ahead of the post-pandemic energy crunch. Compounding these worries, ongoing hostilities involving Iran are severely disrupting international gas logistics. Although the EU’s standard November target sits at 90%, flexibility rules allow nations to aim for 80% this year to mitigate market panics. Furthermore, Jørgensen warned that any national market interventions must remain temporary and well-targeted to prevent artificial demand spikes.
