News brief / Energy & Infrastructure
Gas security depends on flexibility as well as reserves
The IEA examines physical buffers, commercial arrangements and international coordination for supply interruptions.
Cite this work
OPEN VARIABLE. Gas security depends on flexibility as well as reserves. 2026-09-19. https://www.openvariable.com/latest/gas-security-flexibility
The IEA’s 9 September report examines measures that gas-importing countries can use to strengthen security against short-term disruptions. It considers physical reserve assets alongside flexible commercial arrangements and policy mechanisms.
The report places these measures within a more interconnected gas market facing geopolitical risks and greater weather sensitivity. It also examines how international cooperation, transparency and coordination can support resilience.
The distinction between holding a reserve and being able to use it is central to assessing preparedness. Storage location, delivery infrastructure, withdrawal capability and access terms shape whether a buffer can meet demand where and when a disruption occurs.
Original source
IEA · Published 2026-09-09