Germany has rejected Italy’s claims that its last-minute efforts to replenish natural gas inventories are causing European gas prices to surge. Susanne Ungrad, a spokeswoman for Germany’s Economy ministry, dismissed the criticism during a press conference on Friday, stating that the procurement and storage of natural gas through SEFE Securing Energy for Europe GmbH (SEFE) is not responsible for the price hikes.
The dispute arose after Alessandro Noce, a senior official at Italy’s energy ministry, accused Germany’s stockpiling efforts of pushing benchmark gas prices above €100 per megawatt-hour this week. Noce argued that prices would otherwise be closer to €70. The disagreement underscores the growing tensions over how Europe shares the costs of ensuring energy security as winter approaches.
Germany’s gas storage sites are currently about 62% full, significantly lower than Italy’s 91% and the EU average of 75%. Political friction could worsen if colder weather further tightens supplies and drives prices even higher. Late last month, German Economy Minister Katherina Reiche directed SEFE to procure and store natural gas, reversing months of insistence that low inventories posed no threat to energy security.
Noce noted that Italy has spent approximately €300 million on its own winter preparations, encouraging companies to maintain gas storage. However, he suggested that Italy may now have to help cover any shortfall in Germany if the winter is particularly harsh. Ungrad also acknowledged that Germany will miss its 70% gas storage goal due on Sunday.