Germany's Gas Storage Levels Lower Than Usual Ahead of Winter
Germany's gas storage levels are lower than usual ahead of winter, but most experts don't think it will lead to shortages. As of mid-September, Germany had stored about 141 terawatt-hours of gas, accounting for around 57% of the country's total storage capacity.
Last winter, just under 134 terawatt-hours of gas were withdrawn from storage, according to the Federal Network Agency. However, compared to previous years, natural gas storage levels are low, raising concerns about potential gas shortages in Germany this winter.
Charlie Grüneberg, spokesperson for the German Gas and Hydrogen Industry association, points out that anyone who has contractually secured their gas needs for the winter with a reliable supplier will receive the agreed quantities. However, Sebastian Heinermann, managing director of INES, is more cautious, noting that if the current trend continues, the fill level will reach only about 65% by November 1.
The Federal Network Agency and Germany's Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy have downplayed the risks of a gas supply crunch, stating that security of supply is currently guaranteed. Officials point to various factors such as imports, pipeline imports, LNG terminals, demand, and international energy markets that determine the price of natural gas.