European countries were able to fill their underground gas storage facilities by 80% before winter. It is reported by TASS with reference to data from Gas Infrastructure Europe (GIE).

According to the agency, gas reserves in Europe's storage facilities amount to about 86.1 billion cubic meters, or 80.17%, which is 0.6% more than the average as of August 29 over the past five years. For example, in 2021, underground gas storage facilities were 77.28% full as of October 21.

The highest level of storage occupancy is now observed in Portugal and Poland (inventory levels of 100% and 99.54% respectively). Also among the leaders in terms of reserves are France (91.54%), Sweden (90.8%) and Denmark (89.12%). UGS facilities in Germany are filled by 83.65%, Italy - by 81.93%, Spain - by 84.37%, the Netherlands - by 77.03%, the Czech Republic - by 82.03%, Belgium - by 88.47%, Slovakia - by 79.38%, the publication says.

Gas storage facilities are being filled at a high rate due to the purchase of liquefied natural gas against the backdrop of reduced supplies from Russia.

Earlier it was reported that gas supplies through the Russian Nord Stream gas pipeline were stopped for three days due to the start of repairs to the only remaining gas pumping unit at the Portovaya compressor station.