Germany buys €245m worth of gas amid heating season deficit risk

To ensure energy supply stability in the pre-winter period, Germany made additional natural gas purchases totalling approximately €245 million. These measures were a response to insufficient underground storage levels, which pose a threat to the upcoming heating season.

Storage levels significantly lower than last year

According to Reuters, the decision to make additional purchases was made against the backdrop of gas storage facilities in the country being only 61.1% full as of 21 October. For context, the figure for the same period last year was 75.4%. Thus, the current stock level is 14.3 percentage points lower than last year’s.

Experts warn of resource depletion risk

The Association of Underground Gas Storage Operators expressed concern that existing fuel volumes may not be sufficient until the end of winter in the event of severe frosts. According to estimates by this organisation, gas in storage could be completely depleted by early February 2027.

Additional deliveries are expected to ease the energy supply situation during the period of heightened winter demand. However, it is noted that the final outcome will depend not only on the volume of accumulated gas but also on many variables: air temperature, consumption rates, and the ability to replenish stocks throughout the heating season.