The Netherlands is lagging behind its European partners in filling its gas reserves for the winter, just as a key supplier in the Middle East has announced further restrictions on supplies caused by the conflict between the US and Iran. QatarEnergy extended “force majeure” restrictions on its LNG cargoes until the end of September, affecting a total of 24 cargoes to European customers. The Netherlands’ gas reserves are currently at 36.6% capacity, well below the EU average of 56%. Energy minister Stientje van Veldhoven said last month she was “confident” that the gas reserves would be filled for the winter, but admitted that the government needed to be “vigilant”. The Dutch government also has agreements to buy gas from Norway and the United States, or could resort to the open market.