Flows of Russian gas via Ukraine were halted on Jan. 1 after a prewar transit deal expired, reducing supplies and causing disruptions for European countries like Slovakia and Austria. In order to offset losses and replenish fast depleting inventories, the European Union is now expected to significantly boost imports of liquefied natural gas.

European natural-gas prices edged lower in early trade following the previous session’s rally as colder temperatures and low wind speeds have boosted demand in recent weeks, contributing to a sharp decline in inventories.

Europe’s stockpiles of natural gas have been a closely watched metric since the invasion of Ukraine triggered a dramatic downturn in Russian supply to the region.