Archive · 30 Sep 2026
Germany Orders Higher Gas Reserves Amid Middle East War Concerns
Germany is worried it may not have enough gas for the coming winter.
Its gas storage tanks are about 58% full, while the European Union average is about 70%.
The government wants large storage facilities to reach 80% before winter.
It ordered SEFE, a state-owned company, to increase its gas reserves.
The decision comes as the Iran war and Middle East conflict have pushed gas prices higher.
The closure of much of the Strait of Hormuz has also disrupted energy markets.
Other gas companies are expected to increase their reserves too.
Germany plans to create a special gas reserve in 2027 to help with future energy problems.
Germany ordered state-owned SEFE to increase natural-gas storage amid geopolitical risks linked to the Iran war.
German reserves are about 58% full, below the European Union average of roughly 70%.
Germany aims for major storage facilities to be 80% full before winter.
SEFE operates about one-quarter of Germany’s gas-storage capacity and will determine how much to add.
Berlin plans to establish a strategic gas reserve beginning in 2027.
- Who
- The German government, Economy Minister Katherina Reiche, state-owned SEFE, and other gas companies.
- What
- Germany ordered SEFE to increase natural-gas storage ahead of winter.
- When
- The order was announced Wednesday; Germany plans to begin establishing a strategic reserve in 2027.
- Where
- Germany, amid disruptions affecting European and global energy markets.
- Why
- To address unusually low storage levels and risks from the Middle East conflict, higher prices, and possible supply disruptions.
- Current German storage level
- About 58% full
- European Union average
- About 70% full
- Germany’s winter target
- 80% full for major storage facilities
- Company ordered to act
- SEFE, a state-owned energy company
- SEFE storage capacity
- Around one-quarter of Germany’s gas-storage capacity
- Strategic reserve plan
- Germany plans to establish one beginning in 2027
- Market development
- European gas prices reached a three-year high earlier this month