The International Energy Agency (IEA) warned that tight conditions in the global natural gas market could persist into 2027. According to Sina Finance, the IEA said low EU gas storage levels and ongoing supply disruptions in the Middle East could lead the region to draw heavily on its reserves during colder months. EU storage could hit a record low at the end of the 2026/27 heating season, the report said, significantly increasing demand to refill storage in summer 2027 and potentially extending tight market conditions into the following year. Europe’s economy is under pressure, and natural gas prices are near their highest level since the energy crisis began four years ago. Although the continent has just entered its peak winter demand period, risks of further price increases next year are already reflected in 2027 futures contracts as traders hedge against them.