
In view of low gas storage and geopolitical tensions, the Federal Consumer Association warns of more expensive gas in winter. Dealers have a responsibility.
AI-generated summary
The German gas storage facilities currently have significantly lower filling levels than last year and are below the legal requirements for the winter.
In view of the low filling levels of the gas storage facilities, the board of the Federal Consumer Association, Ramona Pop, has warned of rising prices for gas customers. »We are monitoring the gas storage levels very closely and see the possible challenges for the coming winter. “The purchase prices for gas have risen significantly since the beginning of the war in the Middle East,” Pop told the “Rheinische Post.”
»Low storage levels would further exacerbate the already tense situation on the energy markets in the coming heating season. This can mean higher energy prices for private households,” explained Pop.
She advised gas customers to be careful: "Consumers should now check whether their contract provides for fixed prices beyond the winter," said Pop. This initially protects against rising prices. At the same time, it is worth comparing prices and, if necessary, switching to a cheaper provider.
The German and European levels are currently well below the level of the previous year. According to the latest data from the European Association of Gas Infrastructure Operators (GIE), the filling level was 61.37 percent on August 17. A year ago it was almost 74 percent. The German gas reserves are significantly lower: Here, the GIE reported a storage level of 50.06 percent on August 17th, after they were almost 67 percent full a year ago.
According to legal requirements, German gas storage facilities should actually be 80 percent full by November 1st, with a few specified exceptions. The industry association Association of Gas Transmission System Operators (FNB-Gas) warns that this can hardly be achieved, "even with storage of up to 1.2 TWh per day - the highest value ever observed in the market." Storage is currently significantly lower.
The Strait of Hormuz, blocked because of the Iran war, is making the international transport of gas and oil difficult, which is driving up prices. For traders who normally buy gas in summer to sell it during the heating season in winter, the purchase is currently not very attractive.
The Federal Ministry of Economics and the Federal Network Agency see the economy as having a duty. The filling of the German storage facilities is “very low,” admitted a spokeswoman for the ministry. "We are monitoring the situation closely, including in the geopolitical context, and are calling on retailers to save." Netzagentur boss Klaus Müller also holds retailers accountable. »There is enough gas available. That's why I can't imagine a gas dealer wanting to explain to his customers that there isn't enough gas in the winter because he hasn't made enough provisions," he told "T-Online." "I expect the gas traders to fulfill their responsibilities."
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Missing the legal filling level target of 80 percent by November 1st
Likely · Within months

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