UK Has Just Two Days Of Gas Stored, Raising Fears Of Supply Crisis Amid Global Tensions: Report

Last Updated:March 08, 2026, 23:33 IST

Britain faces energy security concerns with only two days' worth of natural gas stored. Middle East tensions threaten supply routes, raising prices.

According to a Daily Mail report, Britain is facing renewed concerns over energy security after reports suggested the country has only around two days’ worth of natural gas stored, raising fears of a potential supply crunch if imports are disrupted.

The warning comes as escalating tensions in the Middle East threaten global energy routes and push up gas prices. Analysts say the UK’s limited storage capacity leaves it far more exposed to sudden supply shocks than many other European countries.

Britain’s reserves have dropped from 18,000 GWh to 6700 Gwh which is only sufficient for 1.5 days.

Unlike continental Europe, Britain maintains relatively small gas reserves and depends heavily on imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and pipeline supplies, particularly from Norway. Natural gas remains central to the UK’s energy system, generating electricity and heating more than 70% of households.

Energy experts say storage capacity has long been a weak point in Britain’s energy strategy. The closure of several large storage facilities in recent years has reduced the country’s ability to cushion supply disruptions or cope with spikes in winter demand.

One of the biggest sites, the Rough Gas Storage Facility, once held a significant portion of the UK’s reserves before it was shut down in 2017 due to safety and economic concerns. Although it has partially reopened, Britain’s total storage capacity remains far below that of many European countries.

Industry officials have repeatedly warned that Britain’s reliance on imports could lead to price spikes or shortages if global supply routes are disrupted. With geopolitical tensions already affecting energy markets, wholesale gas prices have surged in recent weeks.

Analysts say the surge could increase household energy bills by around £160 a year if high prices persist.

Market Pressures and Global Disruptions

Energy traders are also taking advantage of Britain’s limited reserves by charging premium prices, knowing the country must outbid European competitors to secure supplies. As a result, the UK is currently paying the highest wholesale gas prices in Europe.

The disruption is partly linked to the near-total closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route through which around 20% of the world’s oil and natural gas supplies normally pass.

Further pressure on global energy markets came after Qatar suspended production at Ras Laffan, the world’s largest natural gas facility, following reported Iranian strikes in the area.

Meanwhile, oil prices are expected to climb sharply, with industry experts warning they could soon approach $100 per barrel, and potentially reach $150 per barrel if the conflict drags on.

Energy operators and policy experts are now urging the British government to expand gas storage capacity and diversify supply sources to strengthen the country’s energy security as global markets remain volatile.

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