Which European countries have the highest gas reserves this winter?
Energy News Europe - Here is the ranking of European countries with the highest gas reserves this winter, according to the EU Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulations (ACER) report dated October 27, 2026. Lower stocks and geopolitics set the stage for Gas markets this winter 2026/27. EU gas stocks reached an average of 75% by 21 October 2026. LNG from the US represents 30% of total EU gas supply imports, reinforcing its role as Europe’s main LNG supplier as Qatari supplies decline. The four EU countries with the largest storage holders - Germany, Italy, France and the Netherlands - that account for almost two-thirds of the total EU storage capacity of around 100 bcm, held only around 46 bcm by 1 October 2026. The remaining EU Member States collectively held around 27 bcm, highlighting the uneven distribution of stored gas across Europe, with Germany and the Netherlands lagging below the average EU gas filling rate.
Here is the ranking of the Top 10 European countries with the highest gas reserves this winter:
1 - Poland
Poland ranks No. 1 country with the highest gas reserves in Europe this winter, with 99% of its underground natural gas reserves filled.
2 - Portugal
Portugal ranks 2nd country with the highest gas reserves in Europe this winter, with 95.5% of its underground natural gas reserves filled. Moreover, Portugal consumes less gas for heating than Central European countries and benefits from the weight of renewables in the country´s electricity production.
In addition to underground reserves, Portugal has the Sines terminal, and according to REN, the gas supply comes mainly from Nigeria and the United States, with occasional shipments from other countries. The last gas shipment from Qatar occurred in 2021. This diversification reduces exposure to disruptions on certain routes, but does not protect consumers from fluctuations in international prices. Given the current climate of energy uncertainty, Portugal´s government just announced that it will launch a €100 million program to reduce the dependence on natural gas in the industrial sector. The measure aims to decarbonize sectors with high gas consumption, such as ceramics and glass, which are particularly exposed to energy price fluctuations.
3 - Italy
Italy ranks 3rd country with the highest gas reserves in Europe this winter, with 90.9% of its underground natural gas reserves filled.
4 - France & Romania
France and Romania rank 4th in the ranking of countries with the highest gas reserves in Europe this winter, with 87% of its underground natural gas reserves filled.
5 - Denmark
Denmark ranks 5th country with the highest gas reserves in Europe this winter, with between 80-100% of its underground natural gas reserves filled.
6 - Bulgaria
Bulgaria ranks 6th country with the highest gas reserves in Europe this winter, with between 80-100% of its underground natural gas reserves filled.
7 - Croatia
Croatia ranks 7th country with the highest gas reserves in Europe this winter, with between 80-100% of its underground natural gas reserves filled.
8 - Spain
Spain ranks 8th country with the highest gas reserves in Europe this winter, with 79.7% of its underground natural gas reserves filled.
9 - Hungary
Hungary ranks 9th country with the highest gas reserves in Europe this winter, with 78% of its underground natural gas reserves filled.
10 - Czech Republic
Czech Republic ranks 10th country with the highest gas reserves in Europe this winter, with 77% of its underground natural gas reserves filled.
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