UK gas supplies could run out this winter as Britain faces major energy crisis warning

Britain faces the prospect of its gas reserves being completely depleted this winter if a prolonged cold spell strikes, a major new report has warned. The findings, published today by the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Gas, place the UK among the most vulnerable countries in Europe heading into the colder months. Household energy bills, which already climbed by four per cent to £1,723 a year in October, could surge further. Forecaster Cornwall Insight projects annual bills will jump by £276 to reach £1,999 by January. The report suggests that a severe drop in temperatures could drive British reserves down to zero. Europe as a whole risks facing a shortfall equivalent to 15 per cent of demand under the worst-case scenario. EU gas storage facilities stood at just 72 per cent capacity as of the first of October, a historically low level as the continent enters winter. Volatile global gas prices have compounded the problem. The conflict in the Middle East has played a significant role, disrupting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial transit route for energy supplies. This has constrained the flow of gas reaching European markets. Britain is particularly exposed because it depends on continental storage to make up shortfalls in its own supply. When those reserves fall short, the country may be forced to purchase expensive liquefied natural gas from the United States instead. That reliance on American imports carries its own dangers, as potential policy shifts by US President Donald Trump could further threaten supply. Chris O'Shea, chief executive of Centrica, which owns British Gas, sounded the alarm back in July. "European gas storage levels are low. Britain is particularly exposed because it depends on continental storage to make up shortfalls in its own supply | GETTY "UK gas storage levels are incredibly low," Mr O'Shea said. "If it's not a warm winter, then there'll be problems, and the problems will be associated with having less gas in storage." Adding to the concern is the imminent closure of the Rough gas storage facility, operated by Centrica. The site holds enough capacity to keep the UK supplied for roughly a fortnight. Rough is already functioning at minimal levels and is due to shut down entirely by April 2027. UK gas storage levels are incredibly low, British Gas boss warned | GETTY Its loss will strip away one of Britain's few remaining buffers against winter supply shortages, leaving the country even more dependent on costly imports. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has warned that the UK is confronting an "energy crisis" that will bear down hardest on the country's poorest households. One potential remedy lies beneath the North Sea. The Jackdaw gas field, which its owners claim would account for six per cent of UK gas production at peak output, could help ease the pressure on domestic supplies. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has warned that the UK is confronting an "energy crisis" | GETTY The project received approval under the previous Conservative government in 2022 but has since been held up over environmental concerns. Mr Burnham now faces calls to give the field the green light. The Department for Energy, Security and Net Zero was approached for comment on the report's findings and the government's plans to safeguard winter supplies. Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter