Croatian utility HEP to purchase 1.1 TWh of gas to secure winter storage

The Croatian government instructed state‑owned utility HEP to buy at least 1.1 billion kWh (≈1.1 TWh) of natural gas after commercial participants failed to refill the Okoli underground storage fast enough for the 2026‑27 heating season. At the time of the decision the Okoli facility was only 50.4 % full, well below the target of 80 % by early October and the EU average of 53 %.

HEP was selected as the supplier of last resort under the energy regulator’s rules, giving it responsibility for the emergency procurement. The move shifts price and timing risk from private traders to the state utility, which must decide whether to purchase promptly at elevated prices or stagger buying in hopes of a market softening, while aiming to raise storage to at least 80 % before winter demand peaks.