According to the latest gas scenarios report published by the German Gas Storage Initiative (INES) in the capital Berlin, the country's storage facilities entered September with a 53 percent fill level.

This rate, recorded as the lowest September figure in the last 15 years, was at 71 percent during the same period last year.

The report emphasized that it is still technically possible to reach a 77 percent fill level by November 1, 2026, which is considered the official start of the winter season, but this would require storing more gas in the next two months than the total stored in the previous three months.

Strait of Hormuz Crisis Made Storage Costly

INES General Manager Sebastian Heinermann, in his assessment of the issue, pointed out that market players' appetite for gas storage has decreased, stating, "Reserving capacities in facilities alone is not enough. High gas prices triggered by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the negative trend in the summer-winter price spread have made storage economically unattractive for market participants."

Heinermann called for an urgent package of measures, including reducing storage costs.

According to INES's sensitivity analyses, a 77 percent fill level achievable by November 1 would ensure supply security under normal winter temperatures but would be insufficient in a scenario with freezing cold.

In the event of extreme cold spells, gas supply shortfalls exceeding 25 percent could occur, especially in January.

"Supply Security" Traffic Between Government and Energy Companies

On the other hand, the German Ministry of Economy and Energy argues that concerns about supply security are unfounded.

The Ministry stated that there is no need for government intervention at the current stage, citing uninterrupted deliveries via pipelines from Norway and newly commissioned liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals.

According to reports in German and international media, the German government is discussing financial support scenarios with nationalized energy companies Uniper and Sefe Energy for filling gas storage facilities before winter.

In statements made by Sefe and Uniper regarding the issue, it was confirmed that close contact is being maintained with all relevant market players, especially the Ministry of Economy, to fully ensure supply security and fulfill commitments.