Germany’s gas storage industry association, INES, said Sunday that the country had missed its winter supply target, raising concerns about possible shortages.
As of October 31, storage caverns were 61.17% full. The required level for November 1 was 80%.
INES cited high natural gas prices, influenced by the ongoing conflict with Iran, as the main reason suppliers found it uneconomical to inject gas over the summer. The shortfall has prompted calls to review how reserves are filled.
INES is advocating for new legal obligations on suppliers to ensure storage levels are more reliably maintained for future winters. The government says it does not expect bottlenecks, citing the availability of LNG terminals. The shortfall highlights concerns about Europe’s energy security.