Federal Network Agency: Gas Storage 61% Full, 70% Target Missed
Published · Updated
Germany's gas storage facilities have missed their legal fill target for Sunday 1 November. According to data from the European platform AGSI, the stores were about 61.2 percent full on the deadline, while the rules require an average of around 70 percent on 1 November.
Most storage sites must be at least 80 percent full by 1 November, with a lower target of 45 percent for six sites. Together this gives a national average target of about 70 percent. Traders stored less gas this year because wholesale prices stayed high over the summer, driven by the conflict involving Iran since the start of the year.
The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and the Federal Network Agency both say the gas supply for this winter is secure. The agency rates the risk of a tight supply as low, because Germany can now import liquefied gas through its own terminals. Its president Klaus Müller said reaching the storage targets is "no longer essential for a secure gas supply". Missing the target brings no penalties. The government plans to let the storage rules expire on 31 March 2027 and to build up a national gas reserve instead, financed through a levy on the gas price.
Critics are less relaxed. The association of storage operators called the low level a serious warning sign, especially if the winter turns out very cold. The Green energy politician Michael Kellner accused Economy Minister Katherina Reiche of poor planning.
What this means for you: there is no shortage and you do not need to do anything now. But Müller warned that gas has become considerably more expensive, and all customers should be aware of this. The agency says using gas sparingly remains sensible, so keep an eye on your consumption and on any price letter from your supplier.
Sources: tagesschau.de, DW
More Germany news
- Mercedes-Benz Halts Investment in German Plants and Weighs Closures
- Housing Benefit Cut Dropped: 1.3 Million Households Keep Wohngeld
- Align Technology unveils new innovations for Invisalign treatment
- Large Solar Park in Merbitz Feeds Electricity into the Grid
- Nvidia shares fall sharply: How safe is pension money?
- Telekom baut Rechenzentrum für Industrie und KI aus
- Autonomous Buses to Enter Everyday Life: TUM Leads New DZM Site
- Cigarettes from the EU Abroad: Duty-Free Allowance Not Dropping for Now