German gas storage is at 75%, but operators are keeping an eye on the winter supply

The German gas storage capacity has been filled to the minimum level required by the European Union for November 1 but INES, a national operator's group, says that it will continue to closely monitor supply security because there are still risks.

INES stated on Tuesday that the requirement of 81% storage capacity by November 1 has been met.

Data from the industry group GIE revealed that levels had already reached over 95% at this time last year.

INES said that "this (75%) level offers a safe (winter season gas supply) if temperatures are warm or normal." It added that a cold winter could pose risks.

Winter gas season on the wholesale market is from October 1, 2026 to March 31, 2026.

After Russia stopped delivering goods to the west, the EU and its members set up rules for filling storage facilities to create a buffer zone of safety. The bloc decided to eliminate all remaining Russian imports by 2027.

INES stated that while stocks are expected to last until the end March, European neighbors have not been quick to fill up their storage facilities. A severe winter could also trigger a large demand.

Germany is the largest gas consumer in mainland Europe, with underground storage equivalent to one quarter of its annual consumption.

SEFE, a member company of INES, announced last week that the auction for its Rehden facility in 2025/26 did not include any gas, despite having previously allocated some space.

RWE Gas Storage West and Uniper Energy Storage are also players.

The next update is scheduled for November 18. Reporting by Vera Eckert, Editing by David Goodert

(source: Reuters)