Winter came early this year, with temperatures at the beginning of December sometimes well below the average of previous years. The cold resulted in increased gas consumption. The Federal Network Agency sees the gas supply in the country as guaranteed, but classified the temperature forecast in its gas supply situation report at the end of the week as “critical” – even if the temperatures are now likely to rise again.
The assessment is better with regard to the gas reserves; the storage levels are classified as “stable” and are still well filled. In any case, the report says, the starting position for the coming year is significantly better than a year ago. But: A very cold winter would cause gas consumption to rise sharply. And if Russia were to stop its remaining gas deliveries to Southeastern Europe, these states in a shortage situation would have to be supplied via Germany, according to the Federal Network Agency. Economical gas consumption therefore remains important, according to the appeal.
The infographic below shows the progression of gas storage levels in Germany. According to the law, the storage facilities in this country must be 85 percent full on October 1st, 95 percent full on November 1st (marked in the graphic) and still 40 percent full on February 1st. The 100 percent mark was reached in November, and the filling levels recently fell in line with the increased gas demand.
Due to increased demand, commercial and private gas consumption in recent days has been above the average of recent years, as the graphic below shows. The Federal Network Agency’s forecast for gas consumption was recently critical, even when adjusted for temperature, because not enough gas was saved.
“The gas flows to Germany are stable and balanced,” writes the Federal Network Agency. The largest quantities of natural gas are now imported to Germany from Norway, Belgium and the Netherlands.
Sources: Federal Network Agency
In the gallery: These tricks help you save on heating costs – and they cost (almost) nothing
