German Finance Ministry denies plans to create strategic gas reserve

Germany has no plans to establish a strategic gas reserve. According to an economy ministry spokesperson, recent changes to the legislation, which set storage levels for the upcoming winter, will provide sufficient incentives for the private sector to ensure stable supplies.

Germany's coalition government has adjusted its gas storage targets to align with anticipated EU regulations, reducing the minimum fill level required by November 1 from 90% to 80%. According to Reuters, the move provides more flexibility in building up gas supplies compared to previous requirements while simplifying compliance with related obligations.

The economy ministry spokesperson warned that any new government action could raise costs for German consumers.

According to GIE data, Germany's gas storage facilities are currently 45.8% full, significantly below both the EU average (53.8%) and last year's levels in the country (76.8%).