The gas storage in Chiren is up to 21.64% full, the European ones - up to 31.06%

The volume of gas stored in the underground gas storage facility in Chiren (UGS Chiren) on February 20 decreased to 21.64% or 1.2579 TWh (22.82% or 1.3265 TWh as of February 13), according to the European Association of Gas Storage Operators.

This is almost 10% less than in the previous 2021. For comparison, a year ago, but as of February 22, the gas storage in Chiren was filled to 31.15%, or to a volume of about 1.9528 TWh.

Withdrawal of gas continues on February 20, although in recent days it has been quite reduced, or at least it seems more economical than in the days before that date. Whether this should have happened earlier is another question. For example, in the period after February 13 to February 17, the withdrawal is limited to volumes of the order of 10.60 GWh - 10.49 GWh. From February 17 to February 20 it decreased a little more - to volumes of the order of 9.13 GWh of 8.67 GWh.

As it turns out, the current volume can be reached in a much shorter period. However, the possibilities for LNG supply remain. Given the current tightening of the situation around the Russia-Ukraine conflict, due to Russia's recognition of the independence of the otherwise self-proclaimed Luhansk and Donetsk People's Republics, the situation with gas reserves seems alarming, especially since Bulgargaz's agreement with Russia Gazprom expires at the end of this year, and there is no information on a date for negotiations.

According to experts, although at this stage there is no danger of interruption of gas supplies from Russia, the situation should be assessed very carefully, given the upcoming pumping season.

As for the volume in the European underground gas storage facilities, there is also a decrease - up to 31.06% or 343.7216 TWh. In addition to towing, there are injection processes in some of the gas storage facilities, such as Austria and Portugal.

The gas storage facilities in Ukraine also remain poorly filled - 18.34% or 59.2234 TWh, but it is not known how much of the stored gas belongs to individual companies.

Against this background, the condition of gas storage facilities in the United Kingdom seems enviable - filled to 87.85% or 8.4965 TWh, with not pulling, but pumping blue fuel.