German Economy Ministry Says Gas Supply Is Secure for Winter Despite Missed Storage Target

Germany's Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy has said the country will have enough gas this winter, even though the storage fill target of 70% for 1 November was not met. The Ukrainian outlet European Pravda reported the statement, citing German international broadcaster DW.

A ministry spokeswoman said gas supply in Germany for the coming winter is guaranteed even at the current storage level. She recalled that since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Germany has successfully diversified its supply sources. Higher imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) have helped ease fears of a shortage. Germany gets most of its LNG from the United States, with some volumes also coming from the Middle East.

"Given this, the 70 percent storage target should be treated flexibly, taking into account the overall energy supply situation," the spokeswoman added.

Below the EU average

According to the European platform AGSI, which presents key information on the energy market, German gas storage is about 61.2% full. This is also below the European Union average, which stands at almost 75%.

In August, the Netherlands warned of a possible gas shortage if the winter turns out to be harsh. It was previously reported that, because of the US war against Iran and the disruption of energy exports from the Middle East, Europe could enter the next heating season with its lowest gas stock levels in 15 years.