A combination of Norwegian production and abundant LNG imports has helped the European Union (EU) avoid gas shortages as Russia has throttled natural gas supply, but higher global prices are fueling calls for more flexibility in future supply contracts with Norway.

“Non-EU member Norway has become the top supplier of gas to Europe,” Rystad Energy analyst Mathias Schioldborg told NGI. “Higher demand from Europe and increased gas prices have incentivized Norwegian operators to scale up production.”   

Europe has managed to fill storage inventories heading into winter with strong Norwegian supplies and LNG imports, which are on track to hit a record 122.73 million tons (Mt) in 2022, compared to 78.70 Mt last year, according to data from Kpler. Meanwhile, Norway has...