Fill level specifications for gas storage facilities not reached

The specifications for the filling levels of German gas storage facilities were missed. As of today, the storage facilities are only around 61.2 percent full, according to the latest data from the European platform AGSI. The legal requirement for filling levels on November 1st is an average of 70 percent.

A spokeswoman for the Federal Ministry of Economics emphasized that the gas supply was secured for the winter even at the current storage levels. It is not just the storage levels that are crucial for security of supply, but also the actual withdrawal, ongoing gas imports and other precautionary measures.

The Federal Network Agency puts it similarly: Based on current knowledge, it continues to assess the risk of a strained gas supply as low. Netzagentur boss Klaus Müller emphasized: "It is no longer essential for a secure gas supply that the storage targets are achieved." Germany now has liquid gas terminals through which gas can be imported.

No sanctions planned

There is also criticism: Green energy politician Michael Kellner accused Economics Minister Katherina Reiche (CDU) of a lack of precaution. “Gas storage levels are lower than ever before.” There is no safety buffer.

According to Tim Kehler, board member of the Gas and Water Industry Association, the fact that the requirements were missed did not result in any sanctions. The requirements are a safety net. “What is crucial for the supply is that the dealers have stored the gas they ordered for the winter for their customers and are continuing to do so,” said Kehler. There is currently a capacity of around 150 terawatt hours in the storage - "noticeably more than was taken from the storage last winter".

The Federal Network Agency also sees no need for action. According to the Energy Industry Act, booked storage capacities could be withdrawn if this appears necessary. “This is currently not the case,” the authority said.