The central question surrounding Britain’s gas supply is whether the country can sustain its energy needs amid dwindling reserves and rising prices. Currently, Great Britain has only two days of fossil gas stored, a situation that has raised alarms about energy security.

Current Reserves and Historical Context

As of March 8, 2026, Great Britain had 6,999 gigawatt hours (GWh) of fossil gas stored, according to figures from National Gas. This figure represents a significant decline from 9,105 GWh stored a year earlier, highlighting a troubling trend in the country’s energy reserves. The maximum capacity for gas storage in Britain is 12 days, indicating that the current levels are critically low.

Factors Contributing to the Decline

The decline in gas reserves can be attributed to several factors, including changes in energy policy and infrastructure investment over recent years. These shifts have led to a significant reduction in Britain’s gas storage capacity, leaving the country vulnerable to fluctuations in supply and demand.

Impact of Geopolitical Events

Recent geopolitical events have further exacerbated the situation. Gas prices in the UK have soared following intense airstrikes by the US and Israel on Iran, which began over a week ago. UK month-ahead gas prices rose sharply to 137p a therm, up from 78.5p a therm before the conflict escalated. This increase in prices has made it more challenging for consumers and businesses to manage their energy costs.

Official Responses and Industry Insights