Britain is facing renewed concerns over energy security after reports suggested the country has only around two days’ worth of natural gas stored, raising fears of a potential supply crunch if imports are disrupted, as reported by The Daily Mail.

The warning comes as escalating tensions in the Middle East threaten global energy routes and push up gas prices. Analysts say the UK’s limited storage capacity leaves it far more exposed to sudden supply shocks than many other European countries.

Britain’s reserves have dropped from 18,000 GWh to 6700 Gwh which is only sufficient for 1.5 days.

Unlike continental Europe, Britain maintains relatively small gas reserves and depends heavily on imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and pipeline supplies, particularly from Norway. Natural gas remains central to the UK’s energy system, generating electricity and heating more than 70% of households.

Energy experts say storage capacity has long been a weak point in Britain’s energy strategy. The closure of several large storage facilities in recent years has reduced the country’s ability to cushion supply disruptions or cope with spikes in winter demand.

One of the biggest sites, the Rough Gas Storage Facility, once held a significant portion of the UK’s reserves before it was shut down in 2017 due to safety and economic concerns. Although it has partially reopened, Britain’s total storage capacity remains far below that of many European countries.

Industry officials have repeatedly warned that Britain’s reliance on imports could lead to price spikes or shortages if global supply routes are disrupted. With geopolitical tensions already affecting energy markets, wholesale gas prices have surged in recent weeks.

Analysts say the surge could increase household energy bills by around £160 a year if high prices persist.

Energy traders are also taking advantage of Britain’s limited reserves by charging premium prices, knowing the country must outbid European competitors to secure supplies. As a result, the UK is currently paying the highest wholesale gas prices in Europe.

The disruption is partly linked to the near-total closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route through which around 20% of the world’s oil and natural gas supplies normally pass.

Source: World News in news18.com, World Latest News, World News