Germany’s energy regulator, the Bundesnetzagentur, has declared the nation’s gas supply secure despite recent frigid weather conditions. President Klaus Müller, in statements to the Funke-Mediengruppe newspapers, emphasized that the current winter climate poses no significant threat to gas provision. While gas storage levels remain below those of the previous year, currently standing at 50.5 percent, the agency asserts this level is appropriate given the evolving market dynamics and flow patterns.
The data reveals a complex picture of Germany’s energy landscape. Total gas consumption in 2025 reached 864 Terrawatt-hours (TWh), a slight increase of 2.2 percent compared to 2024’s 845 TWh. Domestic households and businesses accounted for roughly 40 percent of this consumption, with industry representing the remaining 60 percent. A significant decrease of approximately 13.5 percent in gas consumption has been observed when compared to the average of 2018-2021, suggesting the impact of energy efficiency measures and a shift in industrial activity.
The increased consumption figures raise questions about Germany’s progress towards ambitious climate goals and the resilience of its energy transition. While the year’s average temperature (10.0 degrees Celsius) aligned with the comparable 2018-2021 period, the uptick in gas usage exposes a potential vulnerability, particularly as Europe grapples with escalating geopolitical tensions and potential disruptions to energy supplies.
Gas imports totaled 1,031 TWh in 2025, a substantial rise from the 864 TWh recorded in 2024. Norway remains the dominant supplier, accounting for 44 percent of imports, followed by the Netherlands (24 percent) and Belgium (21 percent). The strategic development of LNG terminals in Wilhelmshaven, Brunsbüttel, Lubmin and Mukran has provided Germany with vital additional import capacity, facilitating the influx of 106 TWh of natural gas – roughly 10 percent of the overall import volume. Müller highlighted this development, attributing it to the success of past efforts.
Notably, Germany significantly ramped up gas exports in 2025, reaching 221 TWh, a considerable increase from the 89 TWh of the prior year. Austria (46 percent), the Czech Republic (26 percent) and Switzerland (13 percent) were the primary recipients of these exports, underscoring Germany’s role as a key energy provider for neighboring nations.
The Bundesnetzagentur’s mandate dictates that gas storage facilities should be 80 percent full by November 1st, with specific facilities adhering to a 45 percent minimum. While the aggregate storage level currently stands at 70 percent, satisfying European regulations, the substantial shortfall compared to the mandated target and the relatively low current fill rate of 50.5 percent, prompts scrutiny. Critics argue that the reliance on Norway and the Netherlands for a significant portion of gas supplies leaves Germany vulnerable to potential political or infrastructural supply chain vulnerabilities, necessitating a more diversified energy portfolio and faster progress in developing renewable energy sources to diminish dependence on imported fossil fuels. The agency’s continued assurances must be viewed in light of these ongoing challenges.