European policymakers are planning to ease gas storage targets. The EU authorities are working on mandatory gas storage regulations that will be more flexible, amid concerns that current rules could enable a significant increase in gas prices.

Gas storage targets were introduced in 2022 following the decision to phase out Russian supplies. These measures were necessary to ensure sufficient reserves for the winter months when heating demand peaks.

However, several countries, including Germany, France, and the Netherlands, believe that strict storage deadlines contribute to rising prices. They argue that European buyers are forced to purchase large volumes of gas within a set timeframe, creating an opportunity for price manipulation.

EU member states are currently engaged in discussions on revising gas storage targets. Last week, European Commission officials supported keeping mandatory storage levels in place until 2027. However, EU countries and the European Parliament are now working on amendments to this proposal before approving a final version.

A draft negotiation document reveals that EU nations are considering modifying the requirement to fill gas storage facilities to 90% by November 1 each year. Under the new proposal, the deadline could be adjusted to any date between October 1 and December 1.

The proposal also suggests that interim gas storage targets for the months leading up to November would become voluntary. European diplomats are set to discuss the plan this week, taking another step toward potential changes in the bloc’s energy policies.