# European natural gas storage depletion > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/european-natural-gas-storage-depletion > Updated: 2026-08-26T08:21:51.000Z. Sources: 86. Developments: 2. European natural gas storage levels have reached critically low levels heading into the winter season. In Germany, storage levels hit approximately 49 to 50 percent, a significant decrease from the 67 percent recorded during the same period the previous year. Experts from the Initiative Energien Speichern (INES) warned that even if booked capacities are filled, volumes might be insufficient during extreme cold. Economic factors, including high procurement costs linked to Middle East tensions, have reduced incentives for traders to stock up early. In the Netherlands, Gasunie has confirmed that the country is unlikely to meet its winter storage targets. The national goal is to reach 115 terawatt-hours (TWh) of stored gas by November 1 to provide security against one of the harshest winters seen in 30 years. As of late August, Dutch underground reserves sit at approximately 44 to 45.3 percent capacity, a sharp decline from the 94 percent recorded in 2023. The slow replenishment is driven by market conditions where current summer gas prices are higher than expected winter prices, making it “commercially unattractive” for energy companies to purchase and store gas now. While Gasunie noted that failing to meet these targets does not automatically signal an immediate shortage during a normal winter, the country remains insufficiently prepared for an exceptionally severe winter without additional policy interventions. Geopolitical tensions and potential disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz continue to pose risks to the supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG). Although the state-owned company EBN has been assisting with replenishment, market activity remains slow. ## Claims - The Netherlands will not meet its gas storage target of 115 TWh for this winter. (disputed by 15 sources) - Without additional policy measures, the Netherlands is not sufficiently prepared for one of the harshest winters. (corroborated by 14 sources) - Failing to meet storage targets does not automatically mean a gas shortage or a threat to supply security will occur. (corroborated by 13 sources) - High summer gas prices compared to expected winter prices make it commercially unattractive for energy companies to fill storage. (corroborated by 10 sources) - As of August 24, Dutch natural gas storage is approximately 45.3 percent full. (corroborated by 8 sources) - Gas storage levels in the Netherlands have declined annually since 2023. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Increased gas prices due to the Iran-Iraq war have made filling storage less attractive for market players. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-26: Netherlands gas storage target unlikely to be met this winter Gasunie reports that the Netherlands will miss its 115 TWh winter gas storage target due to high summer prices making replenishment commercially unattractive. 20 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gasunie-netherlands-to-miss-winter-natural-gas-storage-targets ### 2026-08-20: Germany gas storage levels hit historic low for this time of year German gas storage levels have hit a historic low of approximately 50 percent. While the government does not expect a winter shortage, experts warn that high costs and geopolitical tensions hinder replenishment 67 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/germany-reaches-2026-solar-expansion-target-ahead-of-schedule --- Cite as: European natural gas storage depletion. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/european-natural-gas-storage-depletion