EU oil stocks
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EU countries are required to maintain emergency stocks of oil which can be used in case of a disruption to supply.​
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The EU emergency oil stocks (updated on 2020)

Oil accounts for almost 35% of the EU's energy mix. While the transition to alternative sources of energy is well underway, EU countries are currently still dependent on imports of crude oil and petroleum products. It is therefore vital to maintain emergency stocks to be used in the event of supply disruptions.

On 2019, the EU adopted the Directive 2009/119/EC on imposing an obligation on Member States to maintain minimum stocks of crude oil and/or petroleum products

Under this Directive::
  • EU countries must maintain emergency stocks of crude oil and/or petroleum products equal to at least 90 days of net imports or 61 days of consumption, whichever is higher
  • Stocks must be readily available so that in the event of a crisis they can be allocated quickly to where they are most needed
  • EU countries must send the European Commission a statistical summary of their stocks at the end of each month. This summary must state the number of days of net imports or consumption that the stocks represent
  • During a supply crisis, the Commission is responsible for organising a consultation between EU countries. Withdrawals from stocks should not be made before this consultation, except in a very urgent situation
  • The Oil Coordination Group is a standing advisory group that facilitates coordination between EU countries and with the Commission.
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Statistics on emergency oil stocks

Data from 1 January 2013 onwards available from Eurostat.
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