The issue of security of gas supplies is frequently discussed on the basis of intuitive and non-systematic arguments. Greater import dependence is normally equated with greater insecurity, and strategic stocks are the risk management tool most commonly considered. This paper strives to offer a systematic framework of analysis and shows that import dependence does not necessarily entail greater insecurity – actually, the opposite may well be the case. It also discusses several alternatives to strategic stocks for risk management, which are more interesting and promising.