EU Urges Member States to Cut Energy Use Amid Looming Winter Gas Shortage

Published on 27/09/2026 – 13:33 GMT+2•Updated 13:56

EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen called on member states to keep limiting energy use in order to lower gas and electricity consumption, citing exceptionally low storage levels in a letter obtained by Euronews.

“I invite you to consider implementing or maintaining measures that sustain injections or cut gas and electricity demand for as long as needed,” the letter states, adding that the situation has not improved since his initial warning in March.

The warning follows EU gas storage levels at about 70% capacity, roughly 12 points lower than at the same time last year, according to Gas Infrastructure Europe. Ongoing disruptions in the Middle East and strong Asian competition for LNG shipments are driving prices higher, raising the risk of a supply shortage.

The Dutch TTF, Europe’s natural gas benchmark, trades near €72 per MWh, up €40 since the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran on 28 February. Analysts warn prices could spike above €100/MWh this winter if Gulf LNG exports do not increase or if Norwegian maintenance extends export limits.

The EU’s top energy official noted that cutting electricity use during peak periods reduces gas‑fired generation, relieving strain on both gas supplies and power prices. Households and businesses are already feeling the impact on their bills, and governments face pressure to shield consumers from another price surge.

The Commission highlighted measures deployed during the 2022 crisis, such as trimming peak‑hour electricity use, encouraging demand shifts via smart meters and flexible tariffs, capping temperatures in public buildings, limiting outdoor heating, and turning off unnecessary public lighting at night.

However, Jørgensen refrained from proposing mandatory actions.

“Voluntary and well‑designed demand‑reduction steps helped during the 2022 crisis, and we can apply those lessons now,” the letter says.

Nevertheless, the EU’s energy chief directed ministers to their national emergency plans, which hold stronger options—such as interruptible gas contracts and shifting power plants from gas to alternative fuels—that could be triggered if the situation worsens.

No storage rush, though

Jørgensen also urged member states to leverage the flexibility of EU gas‑storage regulations to avoid panic purchases, suggesting an 80 % fill level instead of aggressively pursuing the 90 % target.

Normally, stockpiling gas enhances security by providing a larger buffer against winter demand spikes. However, purchasing large volumes when global markets are tight can further drive up prices.

The Commission contends that an 80 % fill is adequate for winter security under present circumstances, enabling states to space out purchases and sidestep a last‑minute rush for gas.

The Danish commissioner noted that the EU’s energy system is more resilient than it was prior to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, though challenges remain.

“Although EU gas storage is exceptionally low and the situation remains difficult, there are no immediate threats to security of supply at this time,” the letter states.

From price to supply

Despite these reassurances, Brussels is shifting focus beyond merely shielding consumers from high prices; it is now urging governments to manage demand, as consumption has become a factor in the supply equation.

“As we noted in the Energy Union Task Force, we are confronting a price crisis that is intertwined with a supply crisis,” the letter says.

For the time being, Brussels continues to differentiate between a worsening price environment and an actual physical shortage, emphasizing that there is presently no imminent risk to security of supply.

While the EU likely possesses sufficient gas to see it through the winter, obtaining it could prove far more costly, particularly if global LNG markets stay tight and European states must compete with other buyers.

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