Overview
- AGSI+ data show inventories falling from 51.8% on January 7 to 47.35% three days later, well below the 2017–2021 average for this date.
- Heating demand in freezing weather, higher industrial consumption and weak wind and solar output have increased withdrawals and pushed more gas-fired power generation.
- The Federal Network Agency says the risk of an acute shortage is low, noting unused LNG terminal capacity and currently stable wholesale prices around €30–31/MWh.
- Regional wholesaler VNG reports its storages at 66.6% and describes the situation as stable, with a short-term forecast pointing to a midweek temperature uptick.
- Market conditions last summer narrowed seasonal price spreads and discouraged refilling, operators sought to mothball sites, legal fill targets remain at 70% by Nov. 1 and 30% by Feb. 1, and experts propose a strategic reserve while warning a prolonged freeze could tighten supplies and lift prices.