Germany’s gas reserves are unusually low at the beginning of January, increasing pressure on households and businesses. The Federal Network Agency is now urging people to conserve gas because the gas storage facilities are emptying faster than usual due to the ongoing cold snap. LNG terminals are also intended to support the supply, but they do not replace reserves during a cold spell. (jungefreiheit: 08.01.26)
Fill levels on the cut-off date – February 1st determines minimum reserves
On February 1st, clear regulations apply, leaving little room for maneuver. All storage facilities must reach at least 30 percent capacity. For the Bavarian facilities Bierwang, Breitbrunn, Inzenham-West, and Wolfersberg, the requirement is even higher at 40 percent, which is why every day counts.
At the same time, the European Gas Industry Association (GIE) reported a gas storage level of only 53 percent in Germany on January 5th. Normally, levels at the beginning of January are significantly higher, often exceeding 70 percent. This makes the current level act as an early warning signal, even though winter has only just begun and will last for more than two months.
Saving gas as an immediate measure – and as a test for the strategy
The Federal Network Agency is attempting to reassure consumers. “The Federal Network Agency currently assesses the risk of a strained gas supply as low,” it writes. Nevertheless, it is urging consumers to conserve gas because the import-dependent situation could quickly change and the cold spell could last longer.
The supply relies on several sources. Pipelines from Norway are central. Deliveries via LNG terminals are also included. Further inflows are possible via France and Belgium. However, the situation remains dependent on the weather and consumption. High demand depletes storage facilities more quickly. Therefore, the agency is calling for conservation.
Gas storage facilities in freezing conditions – cold weather drives down fill levels
As the cold snap continues, the demand for heating energy is rising noticeably. In some regions, temperatures are expected to plummet to nearly minus 20 degrees Celsius, and even afterward, it will remain frosty. This is causing fill levels to drop more quickly because gas storage facilities have to absorb peak demand during the winter.
Furthermore, the Federal Network Agency points out that consumption in the last week of last year was significantly higher than the previous year’s figures. This exacerbates the situation because less buffer remains.
LNG terminals and a European comparison: Poland demonstrates the impact of reserves
Germany’s current gas storage levels are below the European average. This means its buffer against a prolonged cold spell is smaller than in many neighboring countries. The EU average is around 59 percent fill level, Germany is at about 53 percent, and Poland is at around 80 percent. Because Poland built up larger reserves before winter, its gas storage facilities remain significantly fuller.
Moreover, the comparison shows that while LNG terminals ensure supply, they do not replace strategic gas storage. Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) terminals can supply gas flexibly, but they cannot compensate for a prolonged period of frost on their own. Therefore, the fill level remains the key safety factor.
The Federal Network Agency is sticking to its position – and INES is warning of shortages
Finally, a clear warning is also coming from storage operators. The Energy Storage Initiative (INES) already warned in November of potential shortages if an exceptionally cold January occurs and consumption remains high. This would push gas storage facilities and storage plants to their limits more quickly.
Therefore, the practical consequence is clear: saving gas has an immediate effect, because every kilowatt-hour saved reduces withdrawals. At the same time, the Federal Network Agency should focus on building robust reserves before winter so that the next winter is less dependent on weather and daily imports. Because if storage levels start low in January, LNG terminals will become a temporary fix rather than a safety net.