In January 2021, there were about 60 billion cubic meters of gas in warehouses in Europe, which is a full 52 percent.

Compared to the same period this year, the amount of gas has dropped to 42 billion cubic meters, and the utilization rate in January was 37.5 percent, according to data from "Gas Infrastructure Europe".

The country with the largest amount of gas stored in Europe is Italy with 10 billion cubic meters (47 percent), followed by Germany with 8.7 billion cubic meters (35 percent) and France with 4.4 billion cubic meters (33 percent) ).

In terms of the percentage of gas deposits, the leader is Portugal, with 200 million cubic meters 80 percent, followed by Great Britain with 750 million cubic meters 75 percent.

The filling of reserves in Europe today is 36.6 percent.

The data confirm that the increase in demand and the cold winter have reduced the supply of gas in Europe.

The colder winter seasons than expected and the increased demand for energy have led to greater use of gas.

The reduced quantities of gas that Russia sends to Europe via Ukraine and the reduction in production at hydropower plants have also affected the amount of gas stored.

Experts say there may be additional difficulties in gas supplies due to tensions between Russia and Ukraine.

European and American officials are concerned that in the event of a war between the two countries, Russia, which supplies 40 percent of European gas, will respond to sanctions by closing the valve.

Russia supplies gas to Europe either through long-term contracts or one-time contracts that sell a certain amount of gas.

On the other hand, Russia is said to have the capacity to send 15 percent more gas to Europe.

Experts also claim that the gas shortage was caused by Russia, which wants to show that the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which Europe does not want, is a "real need", according to world media.

/ kp / Telegraphy /