Kommentar: Die Gashändler müssen die Speicher befüllen, nicht der Staat
Die niedrigen Stände in den Gasspeichern sorgen für Nervosität. Das ist verständlich. Es ist aber kontraproduktiv, jetzt bloß nach dem Staat zu rufen. Marktwirtschaft funktioniert auch dort.
A peculiar irony has emerged in recent days, as numerous warnings of Germany running out of gas this winter have come from those who should be preventing such a scenario. Energy suppliers and gas importers are fueling fear and calling for state intervention. However, the German energy system, fortunately, is designed so that the companies themselves procure the gas, not the state.
Yet, they are failing to do so in sufficient quantities, for two reasons. Due to the currently high prices, it is sometimes uneconomical for them to purchase gas. The Asian markets are driving up prices. But this will change, for market mechanisms apply to gas as well. Globally, there is enough gas available; it is scarce and therefore expensive, but it is not about to run out.
Ultimately, markets function so that goods move to where they are most urgently needed. Before Germany's dwindling reserves become critically low, end-users will be willing to pay high prices, making the high world market prices relatively affordable for the traders.
Written by urgent.news from Handelsblatt's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
