The gas storage facility in Latvia, where the three Baltic countries and Finland reserves are stored, is only 55% full. It is reported by ERR.
"In Europe, storage facilities are on average 80% full. In the Baltic countries, the situation is worse, followed by Bulgaria, Austria and Hungary. In all these countries, gas storage facilities are filled by about 60%, or even less, as in the case of Latvia," energy expert Andres Mäe said.
The reserves of the Baltic countries, as well as Finland, are stored in one place - the InÄukalns underground gas storage facility in Latvia.
"As of Friday, its occupancy was 55% of the maximum volume, and the trend was downward, which means more gas is taken from it than it enters. Since August 12, not a single cubic meter of gas has been delivered there from Russia," Mäe stressed.
The representative of the Estonian gas operator Elering, Ain Kester, explained that, in addition to the percentage of fullness, it is also necessary to consider how large the storage is, as well as the ratio of volume and consumption.
"Maybe we will have to take gas from the Latvian storage. At the same time, if we talk about the beginning of next year - winter and spring, then we need to rely on additional terminals - their construction is underway," Kester said.
Experts point out that the three Baltic states' governments need to agree on how to distribute gas reserves so that the battle for blue fuel does not become too fierce in winter.
France has filled its gas storage facilities to over 90% and is well positioned to meet the government's target of 100% capacity by November. And Germany, according to the latest data, filled its storage facilities by more than 80%.
