Overview
- Gas Infrastructure Europe data show storages at roughly 52–53% in early January, the lowest since records began, and the regulator indicated the 50% mark could be reached within about a week if the cold continues.
- The federal network agency and the economics ministry report no current shortage, citing ample import capacity and stable wholesale prices as traders can source additional volumes if needed.
- LNG supplied 10.3% of Germany’s gas imports in 2025 (106 TWh of 1,031 TWh), with Mukran leading recent injections, Brunsbüttel back online after maintenance, and the planned Stade unit delayed to the second quarter of 2026.
- Industry leaders warn summer price signals failed to incentivize refilling; EWE’s CEO proposes a national strategic gas reserve, and Uniper cautions that a prolonged cold spell or major supply outage could cause bottlenecks.
- By February 1 storages must meet legal minimums of 30% nationwide and 40% at four Bavarian sites, while two Bavarian facilities with especially low levels have applied to cease operations by April 2027.