The European Union faces a significant risk of gas shortage this winter, according to Gazprom CEO Aleksey Miller. Data from Gas Infrastructure Europe show that by the end of August only two‑thirds of the gas withdrawn from European storage facilities last winter had been replenished, leaving a shortfall of 18.9 billion cubic metres—the second‑largest deficit on record for that date.
Gazprom, once the EU’s main gas supplier, dramatically reduced its exports to the bloc three years ago after Western sanctions and the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines. Before the conflict escalated, Russian gas accounted for 40 % of the EU’s total supply. Today, the EU imports nearly 90 % of its natural gas, and despite sanctions, Russia still provides a substantial share, making external dependence a pressing concern.
Miller warned that the EU does not fully grasp the scale of the challenge in refilling underground gas storage before the heating season and that time is running short. The European Commission’s REPowerEU strategy aims to phase out Russian oil and gas by 2027 and accelerate the shift to renewables. However, the plan has encountered resistance from Hungary and Slovakia, both heavily reliant on Russian pipeline gas.
Last month the EU adopted its 18th sanctions package targeting Russia’s energy and financial sectors, after overcoming opposition from Hungary and Slovakia. Moscow has denounced the measures as self‑defeating, blaming them for soaring energy prices and a weaker EU economy.
As the EU navigates its energy landscape, the risk of a gas shortage remains a significant concern, especially if a cold winter hits the region. The situation underscores the need for the EU to strengthen energy security and develop a more sustainable approach to meeting its gas needs.
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