France natural gas working stocks at end of month
France natural gas working stocks at end of month stood at 97.87 TWh in Aug 2026, according to SDES – Service des données et études statistiques (Ministère de la Transition écologique). It is one of the indicators in the Monthly energy balances table (Value · Monthly), with a complete series running from Jan 2011 to Aug 2026. The complete series with an interactive chart, free to download.
This indicator in the Monthly energy balances table
| Indicator | 08-2026 | 07-2026 | 06-2026 | 05-2026 | 04-2026 | 03-2026 | 02-2026 | 01-2026 | 12-2025 | 11-2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Storage | |||||||||||
| Working stocks at end of month (gas and LNG) | 97.87 | 78.75 | 69.08 | 62.21 | 49.55 | 37.58 | 37.76 | 46.89 | 83.46 | 112.97 | |
| Change in working gas stocks | -18.19 | -8.82 | -9.42 | -11.74 | -12.57 | -0.37 | 11.03 | 36.49 | 28.65 | 11.34 |
Understanding france natural gas working stocks at end of month
Total accumulated working reserves remaining in underground geological formations and liquefied storage tanks at the conclusion of the calendar month measure the national stockpile of deployable gaseous fuel, stated in energy units. This inventory figure aggregates all extractable working gas across depleted reservoirs, salt caverns, and coastal LNG holding facilities, omitting non-extractable cushion gas necessary for maintaining geological pressure. The metric reflects the total energetic buffer available to cushion against supply disruptions or peak winter heating demands.
Interpreting inventory levels necessitates evaluating the absolute volume against historical seasonal benchmarks rather than expecting constant levels throughout the year. Analysts must examine how inventory depletion rates align with prevailing weather severity and import availability. Figures reported immediately after month-end are subject to minor retrospective adjustments as site operators finalize meter calibrations and account for boil-off losses in liquefied holding tanks.
Frequently asked questions
- What types of storage facilities are included in this end-of-month total?
- The total combines underground geological formations like salt caverns and depleted fields with above-ground liquefied storage tanks.
- Is cushion gas included in the reported inventory figures?
- No, cushion gas is excluded because it remains trapped underground to maintain pressure and cannot be withdrawn for use.
- How should analysts evaluate whether inventory levels are adequate?
- By comparing current end-of-month stocks against historical seasonal averages for the same time of year.