The Hungarian Ministry of Energy has announced that the country’s gas storage facilities have consistently exceeded European Union (EU) requirements throughout the year. As of September 1, Hungary’s underground gas storage facilities were approximately 90% full, well ahead of the November target.
In 2022, the EU mandated that member states with underground gas storage facilities maintain at least 80% capacity before the start of the heating season, with the goal increasing to 90% from November of the previous year. Interim targets were also set to ensure gradual accumulation of reserves. Hungary was required to achieve an 86% occupancy level by September 1, a target which was met by mid-August. By the beginning of autumn, Hungary’s storage levels had already reached the 90% mark initially set for November.
The Ministry of Energy credited this achievement to diligent preparation and continuous storage operations since April, ensuring a stable supply for domestic consumers during the winter. Hungary’s total available gas reserves are nearing 5.8 billion cubic meters, exceeding the total consumption demand from both households and businesses during the last heating season. The country’s storage level relative to consumption remains more than double the EU average.
Contributing factors to Hungary’s success include a mild winter and increased consumer awareness. Hungary has also exceeded EU expectations in reducing gas consumption, achieving a 20% reduction compared to the average of the previous five years, surpassing the EU’s 15% reduction target up to April this year.
