The German government is planning a relief measure for natural gas customers amounting to approximately €3.4 billion by the end of 2025. This initiative, detailed in a draft bill to abolish the gas storage levy, is set to be approved by the cabinet this Wednesday, according to reports in the “Rheinische Post.
The proposed legislation outlines a shift in responsibility for the costs associated with gas storage replenishment from 2022. Currently, these costs-originally introduced during the energy crisis to ensure supply security-are passed on to consumers. Under the new plan, the federal government will assume these expenses.
The relief is to be financed from the Climate and Transformation Fund (KTF), which also supports energy-efficient building renovations, the promotion of heat pumps and climate protection contracts with industrial partners. According to the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, a private household of four, depending on gas consumption, could see savings of up to €60 in 2026, given the previous levy rate of €2.89 per megawatt-hour.
The draft, formally known as the Fourth Amendment to the Energy Industry Act, reflects the government’s intention to alleviate the burden of high gas prices on German companies and private consumers. The move signals a recalibration of energy policy measures implemented in response to the volatile energy market conditions of 2022.
