Ministry of Energy: Clarifications regarding press information on the natural gas market situation

The Ministry of Energy, as the competent authority responsible for ensuring the security of natural gas supply, has taken all necessary steps and closely monitored compliance with the provisions of Regulation (EU) 2022/1032 of the European Parliament and Council of June 29, 2022, amending Regulations (EU) 2017/1938 and (EC) No. 715/2009 concerning natural gas storage. This regulation stipulates measures regarding the filling level of underground natural gas storage facilities to ensure gas supply security during the winter season.

The mentioned regulation sets stockpiling targets and trajectories, with a minimum of 90% by November 1, 2024. Romania has met all of these targets. Thus, on October 16, 2024, the volume stored in underground facilities was 3,280.2 million cubic meters (~35.0981 TWh, PCS 10.7 kWh/m3), representing 103.47% of total capacity. For the 2024-2025 winter season, in accordance with the provisions of the Annex to the Implementing Regulation (EU) No. 2024/2995 of the Commission of November 29, 2024, establishing stockpiling trajectories with interim objectives for 2025 for each member state with underground gas storage facilities directly interconnected to its market area, the target for February 1 was 41%. On February 1, 2025, the volume stored in underground facilities was 1,440.2 million cubic meters, representing 45.43% of total capacity—surpassing the target of 41%.

Additionally, we clarify that no malfunctions regarding natural gas extraction from storage facilities were reported during the Winter Command meetings, held weekly or as necessary. The Ministry of Energy’s responsibility is to ensure the security of natural gas supply for citizens and the economy, and this security has never been and is not in question.

According to current legislation, the Ministry of Energy has no monitoring or control responsibilities for the functioning of the natural gas market or for sanctioning violations. ANRE Order No. 141/2021 approves the Regulation for the scheduling and operation of underground natural gas storage facilities, which governs the usage of gas storage facilities. The provisions of this order may be updated by the regulatory authority, considering the situation arising in this winter season.

Regarding Depogaz, the company that owns the most important natural gas storage capacities, we remind that a control action, ordered by the Minister of Energy, is currently underway. The report will be published, partially or entirely, as soon as possible, and any violations of the applicable regulations will be strictly sanctioned.

20.02.2025 / Editor, Andreea Dragan

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