Deutsche Welle reports this, citing a statement from the German Ministry of Economics issued on August 20.
The Role of Storage Facilities Is Changing
Officials in Berlin acknowledge that gas storage facilities are less full than in previous years. However, authorities emphasize that the level of reserves alone is no longer the sole indicator of energy security.
The Ministry of Economics noted that following the 2022 energy crisis, Germany significantly expanded its LNG import infrastructure and diversified its supply routes. LNG terminals and pipeline deliveries provide additional capacity, making the supply system more flexible.
The German government also notes that gas can enter the country not only from storage facilities but also directly through existing import infrastructure. Therefore, a decrease in storage levels does not automatically mean a physical fuel shortage.
However, as the ministry points out, low storage levels limit the ability to cope with unusual situations that arise, first and foremost, when several challenges occur simultaneously: “For example, when a prolonged cold spell coincides with disruptions to the import infrastructure or disruptions in the international LNG market,” notes Deutsche Welle.
Therefore, alongside its reassuring statements, the ministry is simultaneously preparing emergency measures to ensure gas supply.
The publication notes that, according to calculations by the country’s Ministry of Economy, Germany will be able to meet average winter gas demand—taking import capacity into account—if its storage facilities are 60–70% full. Currently, the fill level of gas storage facilities in Germany stands at 50%.
The Federal Ministry of Economics emphasizes that filling the storage facilities for the winter remains the responsibility of the market—traders, suppliers, and operators. Authorities expect that a significant portion of the gas injection will take place in late August and September.
Low reserves remain a risk factor
At the same time, the situation is sparking debate within Germany. Against the backdrop of lower-than-usual gas reserves, Bavarian Minister of Economic Affairs Hubert Aiwanger called on the federal government to prepare to intervene if the filling of storage facilities does not accelerate.
According to his estimates, Germany needs to inject an additional 50 TWh of gas to reach the target storage level by early November.
According to Germany’s Federal Network Agency, the situation on the gas market continues to be closely monitored. The agency notes that conserving gas remains a priority due to relatively high prices for households.
The European Commission offers a similar assessment. As of August 20, EU gas storage facilities were about 62% full, compared with 74% a year earlier. However, Brussels stated that it sees no immediate threat to gas supplies. Reuters notes that high prices and changing market conditions are cited as reasons for the slower fill rate.
At the same time, the German government is preparing a strategic gas reserve mechanism, which is intended not for routine winter use but for major external shocks—such as a sudden halt in imports or serious damage to energy infrastructure.
The planned volume of this reserve is 24 billion kWh. However, according to the Ministry of Economy, the first actual injection under the new system is not expected until the summer of 2027. Therefore, this mechanism will not yet have an impact on securing supplies for the upcoming winter season.
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