Brussels, 6 Feb (ONA) — The occupancy rate in Europe’s natural gas storage facilities fell to 37.5% in January 2021 from 52% in January 2022, according to data from Gas Infrastructure Europe.

In January 2021, there were approximately 60 billion cubic meters of gas in all of the natural gas storages across Europe, and the occupancy rate was recorded as 52%.

In the same period of 2022, this amount decreased by 18 billion cubic meters to 42 billion cubic meters, and the occupancy rate of the storages decreased to 37.5%.

Italy has the most natural gas in Europe with 10 billion cubic meters (47% occupancy rate in storage). Germany follows Italy with 8.7 billion cubic meters (35% occupancy rate in storage) and France with 4.4 billion cubic meters (33% occupancy rate in storage).

Regarding the natural gas storage occupancy rate, Portugal led Europe with 80% (200 million cubic meters). The UK followed with 75% (750 million cubic meters).

Currently, the occupancy rate of storage in Europe stands at 36.6%.

The colder-than-expected winter season and the increase in energy demand have led to more use of natural gas in storage. The decrease in the amount of natural gas sent by Russia to Europe via Ukraine and the decrease in production from hydroelectric power plants were also influential in decreasing gas in the storages, Anadolu News Agency reported.

— Ends/KH