Croatia is currently facing significant challenges in its gas supply, as the main underground storage facility, Okoli, has entered mid-January with stock levels considerably below seasonal norms. This situation has arisen due to a combination of harsh winter conditions and the temporary shutdown of the Krk LNG terminal last autumn. The severe weather, characterized by heavy snowfall and extended periods of sub-zero temperatures, has led to accelerated withdrawals from the Okoli site.
As of this week, Okoli’s storage level is approximately 32% full, translating to about 1.51 billion kWh of natural gas. In contrast, the same period last year saw the facility at nearly 51% capacity, a level that was not matched until a month later in the previous winter season. Notably, while Croatia’s storage levels have declined sharply, underground gas storage across the European Union remains around 55% full, highlighting a more favorable situation at the EU level compared to Croatia.
The Croatian authorities attribute this reduced storage balance primarily to the prolonged interruption of operations at the Krk LNG terminal due to necessary upgrades. The Ministry of Economy has emphasized that winter supply security relies not only on storage volumes but also on a comprehensive approach that includes LNG imports, cross-border pipeline flows, and domestic gas production capabilities.
Prior to the upgrade, Okoli had maintained levels above the EU average until early September last year. The Krk terminal’s temporary offline status—lasting over six weeks—was necessitated by an expansion of its regasification capacity from 3.9 to 6.1 billion cubic meters per year. This upgrade shifted reliance onto storage withdrawals during that period; however, officials indicate that the terminal has since resumed operations with enhanced throughput, thereby bolstering long-term supply security for Croatia and its neighboring markets.
The current low levels in gas storage underscore critical operational implications for Croatia’s energy landscape. As winter progresses, maintaining adequate supply through alternative sources will be essential for ensuring energy security in the region.
