Association: completely empty gas tanks are possible in February
According to estimates by the German gas storage association Ines, Germany’s gas reserves could be completely depleted by early February 2027 if winter is very cold. This assessment comes from a report published in Berlin, which models several scenarios based on an assumed filling level of 77% on November 1st. If the winter is warm or only mildly cold, stored gas would be sufficient. However, under a scenario similar to the extremely cold winter of 2010, the reserves would run out, according to the Initiative Energien Speichern (Ines). The report highlights that gas storage is just one part of the energy supply system, with additional capacity available through new liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals along Germany’s coasts and pipelines from countries like Norway. However, acquiring extra capacity from the global market would be costly. Currently, gas storage levels are at around 54%, significantly lower than last year. Storage operators have booked 83% of their capacity but are leaving some unused due to high summer gas prices, making the traditional business model of buying cheaply in summer and selling expensive in winter unprofitable. Gas storage operators are calling on theÂ
Germany's gas storage facilities have reached historically low levels, raising concerns over potential supply shortages during the upcoming winter, according to the German Gas Storage Association (Ines). As of early September 2026, the filling level of these storage sites stands at approximately 53 percent, marking the lowest recorded level for this time of year since data collection began 15 years ago. This represents a significant drop from the 71 percent filling rate observed at the same point last year. According to Ines, the technical possibility exists to increase the filling level to around 77 percent by November 1. However, achieving this would require a substantial acceleration in the current filling pace. Over the remaining two months, more gas would need to be injected into the storage facilities than had been added in the past three months combined. According to Ines, a filling level of 77 percent would be sufficient to ensure supply under normal winter temperatures. However, Sebastian Heinermann, managing director of Ines, warned that such a level would not be enough should temperatures become extremely cold. Under such conditions, there could be shortages as early as January. The low filling levels of gas storage facilities have been a topic of concern for several months. Ines attributes the slow filling process to economic factors influenced by the ongoing conflict with Iran. Rising gas prices following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and a partially negative summer-winter price spread, where gas is more expensive in the summer than in the subsequent winter months, have made storing gas less attractive for market participants. Typically, traders buy gas cheaply in the summer and sell it at higher prices in the winter. With a negative spread, however, they risk losses. In response to these challenges, Ines has called for a package of measures aimed at reducing storage costs and making the injection of gas more economically viable. The Federal Ministry of Economics, however, has stated that it does not see a reason to doubt the security of energy supply. It points to new liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals along Germany’s coast and pipeline deliveries from Norway as alternative solutions. The ministry has rejected government intervention. State regulations stipulate that most storage facilities must be filled to at least 80 percent by November 1. Meeting this target appears increasingly difficult given the current filling rates. There is concern that gas sellers might speculate on this situation, anticipating that the government would purchase gas at any price if the targets are not met. Ines represents the interests of German gas and hydrogen storage operators, whose 17 members collectively manage over 90 percent of Germany’s gas storage capacity. These operators have a financial interest in maximizing the utilization of their facilities. According to a scenario analysis published by Ines, if the filling level reaches 77 percent by November 1, the stored gas would suffice for a mild or moderately cold winter. However, if the winter turns very cold, similar to the winter of 2010, the reserves would not be enough. In such a case, the gas storage levels could run out by early February 2027, leading to potential supply gaps. Currently, gas storage facilities are only half-filled. On September 6, the filling level stood at around 54 percent, which is 19 percentage points lower than the level recorded one year earlier. By November 1, the maximum achievable filling level is estimated to be 77 percent, assuming a significantly increased filling pace. Gas companies have booked a storage share of 83 percent, indicating that they are leaving part of their paid storage capacity unused. This highlights the challenging economic environment faced by the industry, where high gas prices even in the summer make the traditional business model of buying cheaply in the summer and selling expensively in the winter unprofitable. The Federal Network Agency emphasized that the coordination of pipeline imports, storage, LNG imports, infrastructure, and demand is crucial for ensuring the stability of the gas supply. It noted that the responsibility for filling storage facilities lies primarily with gas traders, who have delivery obligations to municipal utilities, suppliers, industries, and other customers and must secure themselves adequately against potential shortages. Despite these assurances, the potential for supply issues remains a pressing concern, particularly if the winter proves to be exceptionally cold. The availability of sufficient gas on the world market and adequate import capabilities were acknowledged by the agency, but the current filling levels underscore the vulnerability of Germany’s gas supply system under extreme weather conditions.
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German gas storage levels are at their lowest point in 15 years, according to data released by the Gas Storage Association INES. Currently filled to 53 percent, the reserves could reach a maximum of 77 percent by November 1, but this would require more gas to be stored in the next two months than was stored in the previous three combined, which seems unlikely. Even if this target is achieved, Germany could face critical shortages during a very cold winter similar to 2010. In such a scenario, gas storage levels might drop to zero by late January, leading to potential supply gaps exceeding 25 percent on certain days, where there would not be enough gas to meet all customer demand.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual data regarding gas storage levels and potential risks during a harsh winter without overtly favoring any political stance. It cites the Gasspeicherverband INES as a source and outlines technical limitations and possible outcomes based on historical data, maintaining a ne
Why factuality (90): The article accurately reflects the INES findings regarding the current storage levels and the projections for November 1st. It clearly outlines the implications of different temperature scenarios and includes direct quotes from INES officials. It maintains alignment with the primary source document
Why objectivity (75): While factual, the article has a slightly biased tone, suggesting that even the 77% fill level may not be sufficient for a very cold winter. This introduces a degree of pessimism that isn't fully balanced by optimism or alternative perspectives.
According to estimates by the German gas storage association Ines, Germany’s gas reserves could be completely depleted by early February 2027 if winter is very cold. This assessment comes from a report published in Berlin, which models several scenarios based on an assumed filling level of 77% on November 1st. If the winter is warm or only mildly cold, stored gas would be sufficient. However, under a scenario similar to the extremely cold winter of 2010, the reserves would run out, according to the Initiative Energien Speichern (Ines). The report highlights that gas storage is just one part of the energy supply system, with additional capacity available through new liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals along Germany’s coasts and pipelines from countries like Norway. However, acquiring extra capacity from the global market would be costly. Currently, gas storage levels are at around 54%, significantly lower than last year. Storage operators have booked 83% of their capacity but are leaving some unused due to high summer gas prices, making the traditional business model of buying cheaply in summer and selling expensive in winter unprofitable. Gas storage operators are calling on theÂ
Bias read (Center): The article presents a neutral analysis of potential gas storage challenges in Germany, citing industry estimates and modeling scenarios. It includes perspectives from both the gas storage association and the Federal Network Agency, without overtly favoring any political stance or ideology.
Why factuality (88): This article provides accurate data on the current storage levels and the projected maximum fill level by November 1st. It correctly cites the INES scenarios and explains the implications of different winter temperatures. The mention of the February 2027 scenario aligns with the primary source docum
Why objectivity (70): The article presents the information in a somewhat alarmist tone, emphasizing the risk of completely empty storage in February if the winter is very cold. This creates a sense of urgency but lacks balance by not addressing counterarguments or alternative viewpoints.
German gas storage levels have reached a historic low, according to the industry association Ines, which warns of potential supply shortages during the upcoming winter. As of early September, gas storage tanks were filled to approximately 53 percent, the lowest level recorded at this time over the past 15 years. While technically possible to reach around 77 percent by November 1, this would require significantly increasing the filling rate. According to Ines, a 77 percent fill level would be sufficient under normal winter temperatures but could lead to shortfalls if extreme cold occurs. The association attributes the slow filling process to economic factors influenced by the ongoing Iran conflict, including rising gas prices and a negative summer-winter price spread, making gas storage less attractive for market participants. The Federal Ministry of Economics has rejected calls for state intervention, citing new liquefied natural gas terminals and pipeline deliveries from Norway as reasons for confidence in energy security.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about gas storage levels and their implications for energy security without overtly favoring any political stance. It includes perspectives from both the industry association Ines and the Federal Ministry of Economics, providing a balanced view of the issue.
Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports the historical low storage level of German gas reserves at 53% and mentions the technical possibility of reaching 77% by November 1st. It references the INES report and includes quotes from Sebastian Heinermann. However, it slightly simplifies the complexity of the sit
Why objectivity (75): The tone leans towards concern and urgency, particularly when discussing the potential for extreme cold. While factual, the language suggests a somewhat alarmist perspective, especially in phrases like 'zu wenig für extreme Kälte' which implies a strong warning.
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