With gas storage levels unusually low and prices under pressure, Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen is asking EU countries to consider voluntary measures to curb gas and electricity consumption ahead of winter 2026-2027.
EU energy demand reduction back on the agenda ahead of winter
Europe is heading towards the winter of 2026-2027 with lower gas storage levels and persistent pressure on energy prices. While Brussels maintains that there are no immediate risks to security of supply, European Commissioner for Energy and Housing Dan Jørgensen is urging Member States to remain cautious.
In a letter sent in recent days to the energy ministers of the 27 EU countries, Jørgensen explicitly called on governments to assess possible measures to reduce gas and electricity consumption “for as long as necessary”.
“In a context of tight global supply and high price volatility, demand reduction can be an effective tool to contain prices,” the Commissioner wrote. These would be voluntary measures, similar to those introduced during the first energy crisis in 2022, although they would now be deployed in a more resilient energy system than four years ago.
“Collectively, we are much better prepared thanks to the development of significant new LNG import capacity, the continued expansion of wind and solar capacity and the reduction in gas demand,” Jørgensen said. Nevertheless, the overall situation remains uncertain and difficult to assess.
EU energy demand reduction and today’s gas prices
On 29 September 2026, European natural gas prices fell to €72/MWh, down from €82.5/MWh on 14 September, reversing much of the previous session’s gains amid optimism over increased LNG carrier traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
However, as long as Washington and Tehran remain far apart on an agreement, LNG supplies will remain exposed to disruption, making reliable short-term forecasts extremely difficult.
How full are Europe’s gas storage facilities?
Meanwhile, the average filling level of European gas storage facilities is at a historic low. According to data published by the Council of the European Union, storage is currently around 68% full, making it particularly difficult to reach the 90% target between 1 October and 1 December.
Under EU rules, Regulation (EU) 2022/1032 as updated in 2025, Member States are allowed a flexibility margin of 10 percentage points. In the event of unfavourable market conditions, the European Commission may increase that margin by a further 5 percentage points.
Some EU countries are, of course, in a stronger position than others. Italy, for example, currently has gas storage levels of 84.4%, the highest in its region.
In any case, accelerating injections over the coming weeks will be essential. According to BloombergNEF, European gas stocks could fall to 21% by the end of March 2027. The outlook could deteriorate further in the event of a prolonged disruption in the Strait of Hormuz or an exceptionally cold winter, potentially pushing average storage levels down to 10%.
Protecting households and businesses from higher energy prices
Security of supply is not the only issue Europe must address. The EU will also need to navigate this period while protecting households and businesses from unsustainable price increases, one of the most complex aspects of the current situation.
As Jørgensen stressed in his letter, “any price regulation measure must be carefully designed. It should be targeted and temporary to avoid unintended effects.” In this context, EU energy demand reduction could represent “an effective tool to contain prices”.
The Save Gas for a Safe Winter initiative introduced in 2022 has already provided a precedent. Attention is now turning to the meeting of EU energy ministers to understand whether Member States can reach a common position on possible voluntary consumption cuts.
Methane emissions rules could be postponed
However, the EU’s renewed concerns over energy security could also lead to more controversial measures, including a possible postponement of the bloc’s methane emissions rules.
From 1 January 2027, importers selling fossil fuels in the European Union are required to demonstrate that producing countries and companies comply with methane monitoring and mitigation standards equivalent to those applied in the EU.
The United States and France, however, are pushing for more time. Washington is concerned about the additional operating costs associated with the requirements, while Paris fears potential disruptions to gas supplies or another rise in energy prices at a time of significant tension across global energy markets.
And what about the European Commission? The EU executive is seriously considering a delay, according to Reuters. The option currently under consideration would postpone the deadline by one year, to 1 January 2028.
