Romania has stored 2.878 billion cubic meters (bcm) of natural gas, for a degree of filling of 90.79%, which means that it has fulfilled its natural gas storage objective for next winter more than 70 days before deadline, the Ministry of Energy announced on Thursday. Two weeks ago the degree of storage was only 80.17%.

According to European legislation and the commitments assumed at the country level, the objective of establishing natural gas stocks of 90% of the storage capacity, for the winter of 2024 – 2025, has a deadline of November 1, 2024.

“We maintain our commitment from last winter and for the coming winter: Romanians will not tremble either from the cold or from the fear of bills. Romania is, as always, a solid partner for the European Union. By complying with these assumed targets, our country will continue to play the role of a pillar of stability for the entire regional sector. We are ready for the winter in terms of natural gas: we can produce approximately 25 million cubic meters of gas and remove another 28 million cubic meters of gas every day. Thanks to Transgaz’s investments , if it will be a hard winter, there is also the possibility of importing from the south of Romania, from Turkey or Greece, natural gas or LNG,” said the Minister of Energy, Sebastian Burduja, in a statement.

He stated that from October 1st, the LNG terminal in Alexandroupolis will start operating, through which gas from outside the Russian Federation can be delivered to the rest of Europe.

“Another good news is that, from October 1, activity will also begin at the LNG terminal in Alexandroupolis. This floating storage and regasification unit is essential for the Vertical Corridor – a Romanian initiative – through which it will be possible to deliver gas from outside the Russian Federation for the rest of Europe. Thus, we manage to ensure our energy security – at least as far as natural gas is concerned – by diversifying both the sources and the routes of gas supply from imports, as well important: we are ready, if necessary, to help our brothers across the Prut. Thank you to all those who contributed to the achievement of our goals, from the Romanian gas producers to Romgaz and Engie, which ensure the storage capacity of gas of Romania, to capacity users,” added Burduja, according to Agerpres.

Depogaz, a company 100% owned by Romgaz, operates 5 storage warehouses, with a total active capacity of about 2.87 billion cubic meters/cycle.

According to the cited source, the current situation of the capacities operated by Depogaz is as follows: Bilciureşti – active capacity: 1.310 billion cubic meters/cycle; Urziceni – active capacity: 360 million cubic meters/cycle; Bălăceanca – active capacity: 50 million cubic meters/cycle; Sărmăşel – active capacity: 900 million cubic meters/cycle; Ghercesti – active capacity: 250 million m3/cycle.

Also, Depomureş, controlled by Engie, owns a single deposit, with a capacity of 300 million cubic meters/cycle.

The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, announced on Wednesday that the European Union has 90% full gas storages, reaching this level two months before the set date, which guarantees the energy supply of the EU bloc and the stability of the energy markets .

“The EU’s gas storages are now 90% full, reaching our goal before the November 1st deadline,” Von der Leyen announced on the official X account.