German Gas Storage Facilities Nearly Empty: Government Reassures, Opposition Warns of Crisis

The German energy market is facing historically low reserves of natural gas. In mid-February 2026, the fill level of storage tanks fell to 23 percent, which is only half the average of the last five years. This situation forced the Bundestag to convene a series of economy committee meetings. The Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy, Katherina Reiche of the CDU, rejects accusations of negligence, claiming that market supply mechanisms are sufficient and there is no need for state intervention in storage processes. According to the ministry, the current situation is due to a cold winter, but the coming warming and increased LNG deliveries will stabilize the system. Criticism comes mainly from the Green Party. Michael Kellner, an energy expert, described the situation as "driving on the highway with an almost empty tank". The opposition demands the introduction of a legal requirement to maintain strategic reserves to prevent price speculation. Meanwhile, financial markets are reacting unusually – despite low storage levels, wholesale gas prices are falling. Experts attribute this phenomenon to a global oversupply of liquefied natural gas, mainly from the USA, which is filling the gap left by traditional pipeline supplies. Nevertheless, analysts warn that the system remains vulnerable to any attacks on infrastructure or failures of pipelines from Norway. Since 2022, Germany has been intensively diversifying its energy supply sources, abandoning Russian gas in favor of LNG terminals. The stability of the system now largely relies on the flexibility of maritime deliveries, which is changing the traditional model of stockpiling before the heating season.„The ministry must finally stop relying on luck and prepare a Plan B for the energy security of our citizens.” — Michael KellnerThe political dispute in Berlin reflects a broader discussion in the European Commission on new energy security standards. Although the EU average storage fill level is about 37 percent, differences between member states raise concerns about the coherence of the entire common market. Gas storage fill level in the EU: 2024-02-07: 49, 2025-02-07: 45, 2026-02-07: 3723% — gas reserve level in GermanyEmphasizes government neglect and the need for market regulation to protect consumers from the cold. | Points to the cynical use of data by the opposition to create an atmosphere of fear and panic.