Gasspeicher: Niedrige Füllstände: Grüne fordern Gas-Krisengipfel

In Berlin, the Green Party is demanding action from the federal government due to low levels in gas storage facilities. Energiepolitiker Michael Kellner called on the government to convene a gas security summit, stating that it is frustrating to continue discussing empty gas storage facilities, but the situation is serious. Gas storage levels are only at 52%, and it remains unclear how these targets should be achieved.

The Greens supported a motion by the Left party for a special Bundestag committee session on economics and energy, with the Ministry of Economics to state what measures it will take. The ministry needs rapid solutions, as Kellner said, "Otherwise, winter will be expensive for industry and households." German storage facilities were extremely empty at the end of winter.

All warnings were dismissed by Federal Economics Minister Katherina Reiche (CDU) since March. "Relying on LNG imports alone is not enough, as this drives us into a disastrous dependence on the US. The result is not sufficient provision." A regulation states that gas storage facilities should be filled to an average of 70% by November 1st.

If this fails, the state may buy and store gas - as in 2022 during the first year of the Ukraine war. However, this would cost a lot of money. Due to the Iran war and the blockade of the Hormuz Strait, gas prices have been unusually high this summer, leading traders to buy less gas for winter sales. The Ministry of Economics stated that a gas shortage in the upcoming winter is not expected based on the current assessment, but the situation is more tense than in the past two winters.

German gas storage levels are significantly lower than in previous years. However, energy security cannot be judged solely by the storage fill level factor. "The key is the interaction of storage, pipeline imports, LNG imports, available infrastructure, demand, and the European gas network." The winter preparedness will remain primarily the responsibility of the market for now. "If key risk factors for energy security clearly worsen, the state will respond and must respond."