If the Dutch government decides to ramp up production from the Groningen field in the northeastern part of the Netherlands from 3.9 billion cubic meters (Bcm) to 7.6 Bcm this year to meet Germany’s request for additional volumes, the increase is not expected to solve Europe’s natural gas shortage.

Groningen

“An increase in production from Groningen this year would help with storage and supply in general but it doesn’t solve the basic problem,” said Poten & Partners’ Jason Feer, global head of business intelligence at the shipbroker.

“There is no silver bullet that will solve Europe’s Russian gas supply problem, except allowing Nord Stream 2 to flow at full volume. That of course is a political decision,” Feer told NGI. “Domestic gas supplies are falling. Liquefied natural...