The European Union cut its gas demand this winter by almost a fifth, exceeding a voluntary target of 15% that was made to help it survive the heating season with much lower Russian flows.
Consumption of the bloc between August and January was 19% below the average of the previous five years, according to data published by Eurostat on Tuesday. Finland saw the biggest drop, with usage more than halving, with only Malta and Slovakia increasing demand.
The data don’t show how much of the drop was due to high prices or a mild winter, but highlight successful efforts by countries that had feared a doomsday blackout scenario. The block is now likely to start the recharging season with storage more than 50% full, helping to limit prices this summer and increase energy security ahead of the next heating season.
The European Commission must consult with member states on whether to extend the requirement to cut gas demand, with the measure currently expiring at the end of March. The fall in gas prices has raised concerns that demand could rise again. Energy ministers are likely to discuss the options at an informal meeting in Sweden next week.
Gas imports from Russian pipelines have fallen from a historical average of around 50% to less than 10%, according to EU data. Assuming current pipeline flows from Russia remain the same, the bloc will receive 20 billion cubic meters this year, compared with 155 billion cubic meters before Moscow’s war on Ukraine, an EU official has said.
