German gas supply secure despite low storage levels

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, September 29, 2026

Germany’s natural gas storage levels are at a historic low for this time of year, but officials report no immediate supply risk due to a diversified import portfolio including LNG and new pipeline sources. Despite improved resilience since 2022, officials warn that colder weather or further global disruptions could cause price spikes, prompting calls for increased storage and strategic reserves ahead of winter.

Germany is entering the winter season with natural gas storage levels significantly below average, but industry leaders say there is no immediate risk to supply due to a more diversified and resilient import portfolio compared to the 2022 energy crisis. As of late September, German gas storage sites were reported to be about 57% full, a historic low for this time of year and well under the European average, prompting concerns about the country’s energy security.

Ulf Heitmueller, chief executive officer of the Leipzig-based gas importer VNG, highlighted that the country’s energy system has improved markedly since the crisis triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which severely disrupted pipeline gas deliveries. “Compared to 2022, the system is much more robust overall,” Heitmueller said. He pointed to increased access to liquefied natural gas (LNG) and a broader range of supply sources as key factors in strengthening Germany’s gas supply resilience.

VNG, majority-owned by the utility EnBW and one of Germany’s largest gas importers, procured 409 terawatt hours (TWh) of natural gas in 2025. The company sources pipeline gas from Norway and has established contracts with Algeria and Azerbaijan—countries that have gained prominence as alternative suppliers following the collapse of Russian pipeline deliveries.

Heitmueller emphasized that while storage levels are important, they are not the sole determinant of supply security. He noted that additional supply disruptions, global market shortages, or infrastructure problems combined with colder-than-expected weather could lead to price spikes this winter. European gas prices have already more than doubled this year to around 75 euros per megawatt hour (MWh), driven in part by global LNG supply constraints following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing Iran conflict.

Concerns about energy affordability and availability have prompted warnings from EU energy commissioner Dan Jorgensen, who called on member states to expedite efforts to fill gas storage and reduce demand ahead of winter. While the German government has so far resisted direct interventions to boost storage injections, it has supported market-based tenders for backup gas supplies intended to cover the first quarter of 2027.

Heitmueller welcomed these measures as providing market-friendly incentives for storage and also supported the German government’s discussions around establishing a strategic gas reserve. Such a reserve would aim to shield the country from extreme supply shocks that could overwhelm market mechanisms during times of crisis.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.