German gas storage hits record low of 49% as winter supply fears grow

Germany’s gas storage levels have hit a historic low for this time of year, according to the Initiative Energien Speichern (INES), the country’s gas storage industry group. Sebastian Heinermann, INES managing director, told the Deutsche Presse-Agentur on Friday that the current fill level of 49% is the lowest recorded since tracking began in 2011, calling it “a historic low.” At the same point last year, storage facilities were 67% full .

The German Economy Ministry on Thursday said a gas shortage this winter was not expected based on current information, though it acknowledged the unusually low storage levels. The ministry emphasized that supply security depends on more than storage alone, citing pipeline imports from Norway, liquefied natural gas terminals, and deliveries from neighboring European countries. It also noted that private gas companies and traders bear primary responsibility for winter preparations, while the government is readying contingency measures in case conditions worsen .

Heinermann added that even if all currently booked storage capacity—78% of Germany’s total—were filled by winter, the stored volume would not suffice to fully cover demand during extreme cold. He attributed the lack of economic incentive to store more gas to procurement costs that now often exceed winter sale prices. The ministry echoed that state intervention carried risks but did not rule out action if the situation deteriorates .

Gas prices have surged this summer due to the Iran war and the effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, reducing traders’ willingness to stockpile for winter. European natural gas prices reached their highest level since the early stages of the conflict earlier this week .

The low storage levels follow broader energy disruptions across Europe. Bulgaria’s Kozlodui nuclear plant, which supplies 35% of the country’s electricity, announced a 12% capacity reduction starting Friday due to critically low Danube River levels—a first in its 52-year operational history. The plant’s operator said the measure was necessary to ensure safe operations amid unprecedented hydrological conditions .

Ukraine’s Dniester Reservoir has also recorded its lowest water level for this date since observations began, with inflow at 20% of the August norm. Ukrhydroenergo reported the reservoir’s level dropped by 76 cm since the start of August, standing at 112.34 meters as of August 20. The company stated it was prioritizing water conservation over generation to meet essential needs for electricity, water intakes, and downstream flow .