The Federal Network Agency has dismissed criticism regarding alleged low levels of gas storage. Speaking to “Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland” (Sunday editions), the agency chief, Klaus Müller, stated, “I can emotionally understand wishing for full reserves already in mid-May” but immediately added that doing so is neither economically nor physically necessary.
Müller emphasized that while gas storage remains important, the current level of concern is unwarranted. He noted that the four Liquefied Natural Gas terminals on the North and Baltic Seas provided significant support during last winter. He concluded that the intense focus on reserves, which was appropriate during 2022/2023, is no longer required.
Despite the reassurances, Müller informed the RND that three percentage points were stored over the past two weeks-a fill rate that is considered very early in the season. He added that Germany’s major cavern storage facilities could be filled within 30 days. While stating that gas traders are not exempt from their responsibilities, Müller urged the public to calm down, emphasizing, “But one must not fall into a panic now”.