Germany "Gas storage tanks filled faster than planned"... Storage capacity exceeds 80%

Concerns Over Gas Shortage Persist in Winter
Russia to Halt Supply for 3 Days Starting 31st

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The German government, facing threats of gas supply cuts from Russia, emphasized that gas storage facilities are being filled faster than expected and that there will be no issues with gas supply this winter. However, concerns about a winter gas crisis remain high as Russia has announced a three-day gas supply suspension to Germany starting from the 31st.

On the 28th (local time), Robert Habeck, Germany's Minister of Economic Affairs, stated in an interview with local media outlet Der Spiegel, "Gas storage is being filled faster than planned," adding, "The target storage capacity of 85%, originally set for October, will be reached by early next month." He further emphasized, "Gas supply to households and the industrial sector will proceed without disruption throughout the winter as initially planned."

According to Gas Infrastructure Europe (GIE), a European gas industry association, Germany has currently accumulated over 82% of its total storage capacity. The goal is to reach 95% by November and 100% by December. Dependence on Russian gas has also decreased from 55% in February, when Russia began its invasion of Ukraine, to 9.5% this month.

The German government is focusing on securing alternative import sources to replace Russian gas. According to Deutsche Welle (DW), Germany currently imports gas mainly from Norway and the Netherlands and is working to resolve technical issues to increase liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports from France.

However, concerns about the gas crisis remain significant as Russia's threats to cut gas supplies are expected to continue throughout this winter. Earlier, Russia announced it would suspend gas supply for three days starting from the 31st for maintenance of the Nord Stream 1 pipeline connected to Germany. Since the invasion of Ukraine, Russia has drastically reduced supply through the Nord Stream 1 pipeline to 20% of its previous level, and further supply cut threats are anticipated.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.