Netherlands seeks to scrap EU gas storage mandate

The Netherlands is advocating for the removal of European Union mandatory gas storage targets, arguing that the current system places an undue financial burden on governments. The Dutch government has spent approximately €1 billion this summer alone to build up inventories, a cost the government believes should be borne by market participants rather than taxpayers.

Dutch officials contend that the EU rules focus on storage capacity rather than actual consumption. As a major natural gas hub and home to the TTF benchmark trading market, the Netherlands provides storage services that benefit the wider EU, yet it faces high costs due to market backwardation and soaring gas prices. The government has already reduced its domestic storage target from 74% to 64%, aiming for roughly 93 TWh, which it deems sufficient for an average winter.

While some industry groups like Energie Nederland support the move as a way to balance security of supply with affordability, others have expressed concern. Gasunie Transport Services warned that a proposed two-week emergency reserve may be insufficient to protect against long-term supply disruptions, advising that policy should account for crises lasting several months.