The low capacity in German gas storage tanks is increasing the pressure on Economy Minister Katherina Reiche (CDU) to potentially mandate state intervention to ensure adequate gas supply for the upcoming winter, according to a report by Stern.
According to the magazine, Digital Minister Karsten Wildberger (CDU) introduced the topic during a cabinet meeting in Neuhardenberg, Brandenburg, last week. Participants who spoke to Stern confirmed that Wildberger voiced concern over the low levels in the national reserves and warned of potential supply bottlenecks during the winter.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) reportedly agreed with Wildberger’s assessment. However, Minister Reiche, who is responsible for the economy, was absent from the meeting due to illness and could not take part in the discussion. Throughout the first half of the year, Reiche had resisted calls for government interventions aimed at securing the gas supply for winter.
Though Wildberger emphasized that he is generally opposed to using state power to fill gas storage, he conceded that state purchases would be necessary if supply issues threatened the German economy. This statement appears to have had immediate effects: since the cabinet meeting, the Chancellery has been regularly and closely receiving updates from experts within the Ministry of Economy regarding the status of gas reserves.
Wildberger himself has been following the gas storage situation for several months, utilizing a wide network established during his time as a top executive in German industry. He has reportedly been approached by members of that industry multiple times in recent weeks regarding the matter.
In response to Stern’s inquiries, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Economy stated that, based on the current findings, a gas shortage in the coming winter is “not expected.” The ministry stressed that its highest priority is ensuring Germany’s secure energy supply, even under more difficult conditions. The spokesperson added that the government “can and will react” should central risk factors concerning supply security significantly escalate. When questioned about internal discussions regarding the reserves, the spokesperson confirmed that the economic department is in continuous dialogue with the federal government, the Federal Network Agency, and all relevant stakeholders.
