A report published by the European Union Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) on 29 May 2026 finds that congestion in EU gas markets is easing as capacity use adjusts to market shifts. The report, titled 'Congestion in EU gas markets: Capacity use adjusting to market shifts,' analyzes trends in gas infrastructure utilization and identifies a decline in congestion levels compared to previous years, benefiting gas traders and network operators.
The document, produced by ACER's Gas and Electricity Department, is a non-binding analytical report that examines capacity booking data and congestion patterns across major EU gas hubs and interconnection points. It concludes that market participants are increasingly adapting their capacity procurement strategies to changing supply routes and demand patterns, reducing the frequency and severity of congestion events.
Policy orientations and trade-offs
The report highlights a shift away from long-term capacity reservations toward shorter-term and more flexible bookings, which has improved market liquidity but also introduced new challenges for network operators in planning infrastructure investments. ACER notes that while reduced congestion lowers costs for shippers and ultimately consumers, it may also signal underinvestment in critical infrastructure if the trend persists. The agency calls for continued monitoring and coordination among national regulators to ensure that capacity allocation mechanisms remain efficient and do not create barriers to cross-border trade.
Impact on stakeholders
For gas traders and shippers, the report's findings imply lower congestion costs and greater flexibility in accessing capacity, which could reduce operational risks. Network operators face increased uncertainty in forecasting capacity demand, potentially complicating investment decisions for new pipelines or storage facilities. EU consumers may benefit from more competitive gas prices as congestion-related price spikes become less frequent. National regulatory authorities (NRAs) are encouraged to align their capacity allocation rules with ACER's recommendations to maintain market integration.
Expected institutional follow-up
ACER's report is intended to inform the European Commission's ongoing review of the gas market design and the implementation of the hydrogen and decarbonised gas market package. NRAs are expected to consider the findings when setting tariff methodologies and capacity allocation rules. The agency plans to update the analysis annually to track evolving congestion dynamics.