The European Union is on track to beat targets for filling gas storage, but analysts warn the bigger factor for energy security this winter will be whether countries can slash consumption enough to ensure stored fuel lasts through the coldest months. Following a scramble for fuel over the summer after top European gas supplier Russia invaded Ukraine, Europe’s gas storage is now 79.94% full, Gas Infrastructure Europe data shows, setting up countries to exceed their target to have 80% full storage by November. In a normal year that could cover Europe’s winter peak in gas use. But in 2022, with Russian flows already sharply lower – the amount of gas it sends through Nord Stream 1, its main pipeline route into Europe, is at just 20% of capacity – storage will not make up the balance. Full gas storage could sustain European countries for, […]