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Germany’s Gas Storage Drops to About 31% in Cold Spell, Officials Say Supply Is Stable

Diversified imports are covering demand despite depleted sites.

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Blick auf eine Druckanzeige auf dem Gelände des Untergrund-Gasspeichers der VNG AG. Die Speicheranlage kombiniert die Speichertypen Kavernen- und Porenspeicher. Hierbei wird das Gas entweder in großen Hohlräumen (Kavernen) im Salzstock oder in porösem Gestein gespeichert. Der Füllstand aller Speicheranlagen der Firma liegt bei jahreszeittypischen 25 Prozent.

Overview

  • National storage stands near 31% in early February, with sharp regional contrasts including North Rhine-Westphalia at 39.7% (Feb 3), Bavaria at 29.05% (Feb 4), Rehden just above 9% (Feb 2), and Wolfersberg around 4.45%.
  • The Bundesnetzagentur, major utilities, and suppliers such as VNG report a stable situation with no acute shortage, though they continue to monitor conditions closely.
  • Supply is being met through pipeline flows chiefly from Norway and flexible LNG deliveries, supported by terminals on Germany’s coasts and interconnections via Belgium, the Netherlands, and France.
  • Analysts warn a prolonged freeze could raise demand by up to 120 TWh and push LNG terminal utilization toward 90%, with wholesale prices up roughly 20% this year and challenging incentives to refill storage in spring.
  • Industry leaders and regulator Klaus Müller back debate on a strategic gas reserve, while Chancellor Friedrich Merz seeks to expand LNG ties in Qatar to diversify away from heavy U.S. reliance.