The Belgian reserves in Loenhout have fallen in recent weeks, due to maintenance at the LNG terminal in Zeebrugge. But now the stock is back to 90 percent. That is the legally required level that must be achieved on 1 November. So our country is ahead of schedule.
The fact that the gas stock can be filled more quickly is a result of an amendment to the law — drawn by energy minister Tinne Van der Straeten — this spring to ensure supplies this winter, the minister’s office said.
All in all, Belgian gas reserves are limited. They only cover 4 percent of our annual consumption. On the other hand, our country can import much more than we consume, thanks in part to the supply of gas from Norway and of liquefied natural gas to Zeebrugge.