Monika Schnitzer, a Munich economist, warned that Germany could become vulnerable if it relies almost entirely on US‑sourced liquid natural gas (LNG). “I find it disconcerting that we are becoming so dependent” she told the newspapers of the Funke media group. “And I would not rule out that Trump might one day threaten to shut down our gas supply if he wants concessions from us”. Germany already imports more than 90 % of its LNG from the United States.
Schnitzer added that other suppliers exist-citing Qatar and Norway-but that short‑term purchases from those markets would likely push prices higher. She called for the creation of a strategic gas reserve. “It is sensible to have a gas reserve” she said. “If a serious crisis arises in any form, we would at least be secured for a period of time”.
Looking ahead to the coming cold spell, Schnitzer did not rule out the need for more restrained heating. “The government has not yet signaled that we are facing a supply crisis” she said. “If it is very cold into March or April and gas becomes truly scarce, people could be urged to heat more sparingly”.