The Dutch government earlier this month shuttered six of the 11 Groningen natural gas production sites, and they will not be used for the rest of this gas year, according to the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy.

The decision not to increase Groningen output was made by the government early last year.  However, the huge field has remained on standby since last October, with production limited to 2.8 billion cubic meters (Bcm) for the 2022-2023 gas year.

Dutch transmission system operator Gasunie Transport Services BV had advised against closing the six sites. It also recommended all the fields continue producing to ensure supply security. 

[Want to know how global LNG demand impacts North American fundamentals? To find out, subscribe to NGI’s Daily Gas Price...