Concerns Rise Over Gas Storage as German Minister Reiche Faces Supply Risks

Germany's gas storage operators express growing concerns over declining LNG supplies from Qatar, risking storage levels. Politicians demand urgent measures to establish a national gas reserve, proposing that it should hold 10-20% of storage volume. The government is urged to draft legislation by summer to ensure supply security. Market forces have failed to adequately fill storage due to high prices, leading to a shift towards short-term procurement. The LNG import infrastructure is seen as insufficient to replace the need for storage capacity.

Published Mar 26, 2026

Germany faces increasing concerns over gas storage due to limited LNG supplies from Qatar, which threaten filling levels. Politicians, including Michael Kellner of the Green Party, call for a national gas reserve of 10-20% of storage capacity to address supply risks.

AI-curated by Theia

The government must draft legislation by summer to ensure supply security. Market dynamics have shifted towards short-term procurement, making it less viable to fill storage amid high gas prices. Despite new LNG terminals, industry insiders argue that storage remains essential for flexibility, as proven during cold spells. France's model of stabilizing storage economics is cited as a potential solution, highlighting the need for effective measures to maintain gas supply stability.