Warnings of European Failure to Secure Gas Reserves for Winter Due to Iranian War Disruptions

 The European Union Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators reported today, Thursday, April 23, 2026, that EU countries face significant challenges in reaching the 90% gas storage target before next winter. The agency explained that the Iranian war has caused global supply shortages and driven prices up by 40%, forcing European buyers into fierce competition with Asian markets. With current reserves at 31%—the lowest since 2022—the agency warned that settling for 80% would incur heavy additional costs and leave nations vulnerable to supply disruption risks.