EU energy chief warns of price crisis ahead of winter

EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen has warned energy ministers of an energy-price crisis linked to the Iran war’s effects on oil and gas markets as countries prepare for winter 2026–27. His assessment appeared in a letter reported by ANP/Reuters and published by Nieuws.nl on 25 September 2026. [1]

Jørgensen described the price crisis as connected to a supply crisis. He invited governments to consider or continue measures that would allow gas-storage filling to continue, or reduce demand for gas and electricity for as long as necessary. [1]

The European Commission’s assessment of current gas availability was more reassuring. In a separate announcement on the same day, it said the Commission and EU countries had reconfirmed that gas supplies remained stable, despite storage levels below historical levels. The Gas Coordination Group also said supplies to protected customers were guaranteed under the conditions set out in the EU’s Security of Gas Supply Regulation. [2]

Dutch stocks and winter preparations

In the Netherlands, the National Energy Dashboard estimated underground gas storage at 57.8% full in its update at 00:01 on 26 September. That figure covers the combined filling level of five storage sites, including Norg and Bergermeer. [4]

Gasunie said the Dutch government had lowered its storage target from 115 to 93 terawatt-hours. The previous target was based on advice from Gasunie Transport Services and demand during the coldest winter of the preceding 30 years, with the aim of keeping all customers supplied in those conditions. [5]

Lower filling would not automatically mean insufficient gas or a threat to security of supply, Gasunie stressed. It would, however, leave the Netherlands less prepared for a cold winter. [5]

The Dutch government also presented plans for suppliers to hold winter gas stocks, Nieuws.nl reported. The government’s strategic gas policy letter, dated 25 September, sets out a longer-term approach from winter 2028–29 and explicitly says its proposals do not concern this winter or the following one.