Great Britain has only two days of gas stored !
Low Gas Storage Raises Energy Security Questions
United Kingdom energy reserves are under scrutiny after new data showed the country has less than two days of fossil gas stored, raising concerns as conflict involving Iran threatens global energy supplies.
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Figures from National Gas, which operates Britain’s national gas transmission system, show the country had 6,999 gigawatt hours (GWh) of gas in storage on Saturday.
That figure is significantly lower than the 9,105 GWh recorded at the same time last year.
With a theoretical maximum capacity equivalent to about 12 days of gas consumption, current levels represent under two days of stored reserves.
LNG Tankers Diverted to Asia
The tightening situation comes as liquefied natural gas shipments are being redirected away from Europe.
According to shipping data compiled by Bloomberg, at least two LNG tankers changed course in the middle of the Atlantic in recent days, turning away from European destinations and heading toward Asian markets.
Several similar diversions occurred earlier in the week.
Energy analysts say the changes reflect surging demand in Asia following disruptions linked to the conflict involving Iran and its regional rivals.
Strait of Hormuz Disruption Drives Price Surge
The crisis escalated after intensified airstrikes by United States and Israel on Iranian targets, triggering retaliatory moves that have disrupted shipping routes.
Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s seaborne gas shipments pass.
The disruption has sent energy prices sharply higher.
Asian LNG prices jumped last week, while UK month-ahead gas prices surged to 137 pence per therm, compared with 78.5 pence before the war began.
The situation worsened after Qatar halted production at the world’s largest liquefied natural gas facility following a drone attack.
Many Asian economies rely heavily on Qatari LNG exports, pushing buyers to compete aggressively for available shipments.
Officials Say Supply Remains Secure
Despite the relatively small level of stored gas, British officials say the country is not facing an immediate supply crisis.
National Gas stressed that storage represents only a small part of Britain’s overall energy system.
Most of the country’s gas comes from domestic production on the UK Continental Shelf and imports from Norway, supplemented by LNG deliveries and pipeline connections with mainland Europe.
A spokesperson for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said it was “categorically untrue” that the UK had access to only two days of gas supply.
Officials argue that Britain’s diversified supply network provides flexibility to meet demand throughout the year.
Structural Challenges for the Future
Even so, experts warn that the current situation highlights broader challenges for the country’s long-term energy security.
Unlike mainland Europe, which maintains several weeks of gas reserves, the UK relies more heavily on a flexible supply system rather than large storage facilities.
According to National Gas chief executive Jon Butterworth, structural changes are reshaping the country’s energy landscape.
Declining production in the North Sea, increasing dependence on imported gas and evolving demand patterns are all creating new risks for the system.
Calls for Expanded Storage and Supply Options
In response to a government energy security review, National Gas has proposed measures aimed at strengthening the country’s supply resilience.
These include expanding LNG infrastructure, increasing storage capacity and potentially introducing floating gas storage facilities.
Gas injections into storage have already increased since late February as milder temperatures reduced demand, allowing reserves to rebuild slightly.
However, analysts say the combination of geopolitical tensions and global competition for energy supplies could keep pressure on markets in the months ahead.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now · Source · 08.03 2026