(ANSA) - BELGRADE, AUG 7 - Natural gas stocks in Italy continued to rise, reaching 76.55%, or 155.71 TWh, as of August 6. They increase to 58.1%, or 656.62 TWh, in Europe, while Germany has yet to reach 50%, at 47.62%, or 117.37 TWh. According to data from Gas Infrastructure Europe (GIE), the association representing European transmission network operators, Europe's average annual demand of 3,519 TWh is currently covered by 18.65%. In Italy, with an average annual demand of 677.35 TWh, reserves account for 23% of total consumption. The situation is far more dire in Germany, where reserves currently cover less than 13% of the average annual demand of 903.9 TWh. (ANSA).