The level of natural gas reserves in Europe is a key indicator for the global gas market. The total capacity of the EU’s storage system is 109 billion cubic meters of active gas.
In the global LNG market, Europe has become the largest importer overall. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports in August 2026 are expected to total 6.7 million metric tons, which is 10% lower than a year earlier.
Gas Infrastructure Europe brings together operators working in the fields of gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) transportation and storage. The statistical database covers the operation of underground natural gas storage facilities since 2011 and LNG reception and regasification since 2012.
The shortage of storage capacity ahead of winter is keeping prices from falling. Wholesale gas prices in Europe have risen to their highest level since March amid reduced supplies and concerns among traders, who forecast further increases up to $800 per thousand cubic meters. The market is reacting to geopolitical risks and high demand for filling storage facilities.
