In light of the very low fill levels in German gas storage, the CDU/CSU parliamentary faction is calling for a stronger state role to guard against future risks to gas supply. An internal paper on gas security-reported by the business magazine “Capital”-notes that while the current supply situation remains stable, the expected “very low” storage levels by the end of the winter warrant a critical review of existing frameworks.
The faction’s energy experts express scepticism about leaving supply security to the market alone-a position that Minister Katherina Reiche of the CDU had previously taken before the winter. “Security of supply must be approached cautiously” the 9 February memo states. “This is especially true for geopolitical risks or severe supply shocks where market failure is a concern”.
They critique the present system in which the federal government sets minimum fill‑level targets for storage facilities. In the past, these targets helped avoid shortages, but they may also create “misaligned incentives” for market actors. Some operators therefore count on the possibility that a breach of these targets will prompt state intervention “at any time and at the expense of the public” potentially driving up gas prices.
The paper does not yet specify what instruments would replace the present minimum‑level regime. The Bundeswirtschaftsministerium’s technical team is reportedly developing a range of options. One concrete proposal discussed within specialist circles is the creation of a strategic gas reserve modeled after the oil reserve system. The introduction of such a reserve should be tested to ensure that it can cushion disruptive events without distorting the market.
The CDU/CSU faction rejects shutting down gas storage for economic reasons. They want to give the storage network “a near‑term perspective” and preserve its role as a safety net.