Gas storage: Minister Reiche orders increased storage

Federal Minister of Economics Katherina Reiche (CDU) reacts to the low filling levels of gas storage facilities in Germany. Reiche, in consultation with Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU), decided that the federally owned energy company Sefe would be instructed to store more natural gas, said a spokeswoman for the ministry.

The central reason for this step lies in the ongoing geopolitical risks. “From the perspective of crisis prevention, this step is an important additional contribution to increasing the resilience of the German gas supply.” The “Handelsblatt” first reported on it.

A spokesman for Sefe confirmed that the company had received instructions from the Ministry of Economic Affairs to procure and store eight terawatt hours of gas by December 15.

The filling levels of the gas storage facilities are currently at a comparatively low level of just under 58 percent. Three weeks ago, Reiche emphasized the government's ability to act. “We have taken precautions for every scenario,” said the CDU politician in the Bundestag. The relevant instruments have been prepared.

In a report from the Ministry of Economics for a special meeting of the Bundestag's Economic Committee in mid-September, it was said that, based on current knowledge, a gas shortage is not expected in the coming winter.