Jetten: replenishing gas stocks could cost 6 to 7 billion euros

Replenishing the gas stocks in the Netherlands can cost about 6 to 7 billion euros with current gas prices, says climate minister Rob Jetten in the Op1 program. Nevertheless, according to the minister, it is a “serious option” that the Netherlands should consider to become less dependent on Russian gas.

On Monday, the cabinet presented plans to reduce dependence on Russian gas. Part of those plans is to build up larger gas reserves, so that the Netherlands still has enough in the winter. These stocks have been out of stock for some time. Jetten says that the Netherlands was lucky that last winter was not very cold.

However, due to the current high gas prices, it is not at all attractive for gas companies to replenish the stocks, because they run greater financial risks as a result. Jetten believes that it is not enough to entice companies to store gas alone, but that more compelling measures are also necessary. The government then assumes the risks. This will probably require billions. He will shortly inform the House of Representatives about the definitive approach, he wrote in a letter to the House on Monday.

It is the government’s commitment to have 90 percent of the surcharges filled, the minister said on Monday. That is in line with what the European Commission wants.