Maintaining minimum stocks of crude oil

Secretariat’s actions
Secretariat’s actions
- Supporting
  The Secretariat monitors and supports the implementation of Directive 2009/119/EC, requiring Contracting Parties to maintain emergency oil stocks equivalent to 90 days of net imports or 61 days of inland consumption.
  
  It reviews national stockholding plans and provides guidance on compliance and best practices.
  
  Conducts workshops and technical meetings with national authorities to:
  
  Develop robust emergency stockholding systems.
  
  Design and update contingency plans.
  
  Share EU best practices on stockholding and reporting.
  
  Collects and analyses data on oil stock levels, consumption trends, and supply chain risks from CPs.
  
  Identifies implementation gaps (e.g., incomplete stockholding obligations, outdated infrastructure).
  
  Advises on remedial actions to close these gaps.
  
  Works to align Contracting Parties’ policies with EU standards, integrating oil security within broader energy security frameworks.
  
  Promotes regional cooperation for mutual assistance in case of disruptions.
  
  Highlights the importance of diversifying oil supply routes (e.g., pipelines, seaborne imports) to reduce geopolitical risks.
  
  Supports Contracting Parties in identifying alternative supply options and infrastructure upgrades.
- Monitoring
  The Secretariat is central in ensuring Contracting Parties align with the EU security of oil supply standards. Its monitoring work includes:
  
  Regularly collects data from Contracting Parties on oil consumption, import/export flows, and emergency stock levels from the MOS oil questionnaire
  
  Analyses this data to check compliance with the Oil Stocks Directive (90 days of net imports or 61 days of inland consumption) from the MOS Oil questionnaire
  
  Reviews data on infrastructure capacity—like storage tanks and supply routes—to assess vulnerabilities.
  
  Identifies implementation gaps and shortfalls in emergency stockholding, reporting them in annual implementation reports.
  
  Alerts Contracting Parties about non-compliance risks and potential security of supply vulnerabilities (e.g., outdated infrastructure, dependence on single supply routes).
  
  Checks if CPs have up-to-date contingency plans and crisis response mechanisms in line with EU practices.
  
  Provides recommendations to strengthen these plans and enhance resilience.
  
  Promotes regional cooperation for oil supply security, highlighting the benefits of shared emergency stocks or cross-border assistance in case of supply disruptions.
  
  Organises regional workshops to share best practices and boost preparedness.
- In times of crisis
  While the Secretariat itself does not directly intervene with physical stocks or supplies, it plays a crucial role in coordination and information exchange in times of crisis.
  
  Key Actions by the Secretariat
  
  Acts as a hub for sharing information on disruptions, emergency measures, and national-level responses.
  
  Facilitates communication among Contracting Parties to coordinate cross-border measures and mutual assistance.
  
  Monitors whether Contracting Parties activate emergency stocks per EU best practices.
  
  Ensures CPs are following agreed contingency plans and using stocks appropriately.
  
  Provides advice and technical support on managing disruptions (e.g., best practices for drawing down emergency stocks, supply chain prioritisation).
  
  Can organise emergency meetings to align national responses.
  
  Reports on the impact of crises and the effectiveness of emergency measures to the Energy Community Ministerial Council.
  
  Recommends policy measures to address gaps and strengthen future crisis preparedness.

Timeline and tasks

Tasks

Responsible Authority	Task	Description
Ministry in charge of oil	Policy and Oversight	Proposes and oversees national legislation on emergency oil stocks. Approves the national stockholding plan. Defines national security of supply strategies and sets priorities. Coordinates with the Energy Community Secretariat and other international partners.
Ministry in charge of oil	Crisis Decision-Making	Responsible for declaring a supply crisis or activation of emergency measures. Authorises the release of stocks in an emergency.
Designated Agency / Central Stockholding Entity	Day-to-Day Management	Implements the national stockholding plan (acquisition, maintenance, rotation). Manages storage facilities (either owns or contracts private storage). Keeps accurate inventory records and ensures stocks are accessible and up to standard.
Designated Agency / Central Stockholding Entity	Reporting	Prepares and submits annual stock reports to the Ministry and the Secretariat. Updates on compliance status and any challenges
Regulatory Authority (if applicable)	Compliance Monitoring	Verifies whether storage obligations (stock levels, product types) are met. May have the authority to inspect storage sites or review ticketing arrangements.
Regulatory Authority (if applicable)	Technical Standards	Ensures storage and handling meet environmental and safety regulations.

3-6 months after transposition

Establish Stockholding Systems

Establish a stockholding entity (central agency, government body, or a mixed model).
Identify storage infrastructure (own storage or commercial agreements).
Define responsibilities for acquiring, maintaining, and managing emergency stocks.
Inform the Energy Community Secretariat about the designated body and arrangements.

within a year after transposition

Acquire & Build Up Emergency Stocks

Calculate the necessary stock levels (90 days of net imports or 61 days of inland consumption).
Secure physical stocks by purchasing or leasing storage capacity.
Contract with third parties if necessary for ticketed or bilateral stockholding.
Ensure geographical distribution and accessibility of stocks.

ongoing, after initial buildup

Monitor & Maintain Stocks

Regularly verify actual stock levels against the required amounts.
Implement maintenance and rotation plans to ensure fuel quality.
Keep inventory records current and accessible for inspection.

within a year after transposition

Crisis Contingency Planning

Prepare a national contingency plan to release stocks in a crisis rapidly.
Designate emergency response teams and decision-making procedures.
Identify priority sectors (hospitals, emergency services, critical infrastructure).

monthly, annual, ongoing

Reporting & Compliance

Submit MOS Oil's monthly and annual stockholding data to the Secretariat.
Provide updates on any changes (new infrastructure, updated contingency plans).
Respond to Secretariat’s compliance checks and recommendations.

Legal basis and purpose
Legal basis and purpose

Council Directive 2009/119/EC of 14 September 2009 (as amended) is part of the Energy Community acquis and imposes an obligation on Contracting Parties to maintain minimum stocks of crude oil and/or petroleum products. The directive aims to ensure that strategic reserves are in place to safeguard against potential supply disruptions and to support energy security across the region.

Purpose of the Directive
- Ensure Security of Oil Supply Guarantee a continuous and stable oil supply by maintaining minimum stock levels:
  - At least 90 days of net imports, or
  - 61 days of inland consumption.
- Strengthen Energy Security and Economic Stability Reduce the economic and social impact of oil supply crises by providing a strategic buffer.
- Foster Solidarity and Regional Coordination Promote harmonised practices across Contracting Parties, aligned with EU and International Energy Agency (IEA) standards, to enhance collective response capabilities.

Security of supply

Maintaining minimum stocks of crude oil

Secretariat’s actions

Timeline and tasks

Legal basis and purpose

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