Europe faces severe natural gas crunch ahead of winter heating season: IEA

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Europe faces severe natural gas crunch ahead of winter heating season: IEA

2026-11-04 15:23 Last Updated At：17:10

The International Energy Agency (IEA) warned on Tuesday that Europe is facing a severe natural gas shortage as the winter heating season approaches, with storage facilities at their lowest levels since 2013.

According to the IEA's newly released Global Gas Security Review 2026, EU gas storage stood at only 75 percent of capacity by the end of October, significantly below the bloc's 80 percent minimum target.

The agency noted that this deficit leaves Europe with a diminished buffer against market supply fluctuations.

Therefore, Europe's urgent efforts to replenish reserves ahead of winter are likely to push international natural gas prices even higher, exacerbating price volatility and placing sustained pressure on global energy markets through 2027.

The IEA report cautioned that the EU's energy crunch could intensify further if there is a colder-than-average winter, continued disruptions to liquefied natural gas shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, or technical failures within the continental gas transmission network.

China-Indonesia "Sharp Knife 2026" counter-terrorism joint training concludes

The China-Indonesia "Sharp Knife 2026" army counter-terrorism joint training concluded in Guangzhou City of south China's Guangdong Province on Monday.

At the closing ceremony, commanders from both sides delivered remarks and awarded certificates to outstanding participants.

During the live-force phase, the participating troops conducted joint mountain counter-terrorism rescue operation, completing subjects including covert infiltration, coordinated rescue, and search and clearance.

Since the training started on October 27, participating troops from both sides were organized into mixed formations to undergo specialized training, tactical coordination, and comprehensive exercises. The two sides also conducted thematic seminars, weapon and equipment displays, sports competitions, and cultural exchanges.

As the third edition of this series of joint training, the Sharp Knife 2026 is of great significance for enhancing traditional friendship between the two countries, promoting bilateral defense cooperation, and safeguarding regional peace and stability.