Despite what some might think due to the relatively low storage levels, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Katherina Reiche stated that Germany does not expect a gas shortage this winter. She told the “Bild am Sonntag” that the supply for a cold winter can be considered secure, adding that the current focus must be on ensuring storage reservoirs are filled sufficiently to withstand prolonged periods of cold.
Furthermore, she confirmed that Germany has large LNG units located along the coast, which allow for additional gas imports. She stressed that her recent instruction to Sefe to boost gas injection is by no means a confession of having underestimated the current situation.
The Minister of Economics explained that in recent years, consumption has seen a decline, and the current challenge is achieving an optimal balance between financing costs and market pricing. She noted that the state cannot absorb every risk. However, she reassured the public that the two companies owned by the federal government, Juniper and Sefe, are fulfilling their obligations to achieve good storage levels, and they will continue doing so in the coming days.
