Europe is staring down another winter energy crunch as gas reserves are on track to hit their lowest level in 13 years, fueling "winter panic" across energy markets, The Guardian reported on Saturday.
According to the UK newspaper, the European Union (EU)’s gas storage sat at just 63 percent in the final week of August, far below the seasonal average of roughly 80 percent recorded in recent years. At the current rate of consumption and refilling, the bloc is projected to enter the winter heating season with reserves at their lowest since 2013, experts were quoted as saying.
The report attributed the shortfall to multiple converging pressures. Ongoing military conflict involving the United States and Israel against Iran has disrupted energy exports from the Gulf region, making it increasingly difficult for the EU to achieve its gas storage target of 80 percent full by the start of winter. At the same time, a bitterly cold end to last winter and scorching heatwaves across Europe this summer have driven up natural gas demand for electricity generation, accelerating the depletion of already dwindling stockpiles, it said.
'Winter panic' looms over Europe as gas reserves heads for 13-year low: UK newspaper
Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Bishkek, the capital city of Kyrgyzstan, on Sunday afternoon for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2026 and a state visit to Kyrgyzstan at the invitation of Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov.
Upon arriving at the Manas International Airport, Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, were warmly welcomed by Japarov and his wife, Aigul Japarova.
Xi and Peng were treated to Kyrgyz delicacies and accorded a greeting steeped in the nation's traditions by local women.
Guards of honor lined up on both sides of a red carpet to salute the Chinese leader.
Both president and their spouses watched Kyrgyz cultural performances and displays, and listened to Chinese songs performed by local youngsters.
In a written speech, Xi extended sincere greetings and best wishes to Japarov and the people of Kyrgyzstan on behalf of the Chinese government and people.
Noting that China and Kyrgyzstan share a time-honored traditional friendship, Xi said that the majestic Tianshan Mountains stands as witnesses to the millennia of friendly exchanges between their peoples.
Over the 34 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the China-Kyrgyzstan relationship has withstood the test of a changing international landscape, maintained sound and steady development throughout, and reached the high level of a comprehensive strategic partnership for a new era.
In recent years, bilateral trade volume and people-to-people exchanges have reached new highs, Xi said, noting that major projects including the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway have been successfully implemented, and the tangible results of mutually beneficial cooperation have broadly benefited the two peoples.
Xi said that during the visit he will have in-depth exchanges of views with Japarov on China-Kyrgyzstan relations, cooperation in various fields between the two countries, and international and regional issues of common concern, and draw a new blueprint for building a China-Kyrgyzstan community with a shared future.
Xi said he looks forward to attending the SCO Bishkek Summit, working with all parties to revisit the 25-year development experience of the SCO, jointly discuss cooperation plans, create the future of the organization, and promote the continuous new development of the organization.
Xi's entourage also includes Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, and Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Chinese foreign minister.
Xi arrives in Kyrgyzstan for SCO summit, state visit
Xi arrives in Kyrgyzstan for SCO summit, state visit
