The Council of Energy Ministers of the EU countries on Monday reached a political agreement on the recommendation to continue the voluntary reduction of gas demand. In particular, member states are encouraged to further reduce their gas consumption by 31 March 2025 by at least 15% compared to their average gas consumption from 1 April 2017 to 31 March 2022. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

From August 2022, when we were at the height of the energy crisis, to December 2023, the EU cut gas consumption by 19%.

Council: Continued demand reduction is still needed

While security of supply in the EU has improved, continued demand cuts are still needed to ensure sufficient gas storage for next winter, the EU Council said in a statement.

The reduction in gas consumption was an emergency measure taken in 2022 in response to an energy crisis caused by a war started by Russia. In March 2023, the measure was extended until the end of March 2024 to ensure uninterrupted supply security and limit price volatility.

However, despite the overall improvement in the supply situation, according to the Commission’s latest reports, the situation on global gas markets remains uncertain.

As the demand reduction law expires, member states want to be prepared for any possible disruptions in gas supply. To achieve this, EU stocks must remain sufficiently high throughout the winter, the Council believes.

The political agreement must be officially adopted by the Council no later than March 2024.

Romania increases gas consumption

Despite the political agreement of the member states, Romania intends to increase its gas needs. Energy Minister Sebastian Burduha says the agreement is a recommendation, not a commitment.

“I stated before the Council of Ministers that Romania does not plan to reduce gas consumption, expecting to cover it at the expense of its own sources of production, especially from 2027, after entering the production of Neptun Deep, which will make our country the first gas. producer in the EU,” said Burduzha, according to the press release of the Ministry of Energy.

Burduja claims that he told other EU ministers that Romania would increase its gas consumption. “Furthermore, I emphasized that, on the contrary, we expect an increase in gas consumption in Romania both due to the restart of the chemical fertilizer industry and due to the expansion of gas distribution networks for the population through the Anghel Saligny program,” Burduja said.