Germany faces record low natural gas storage levels

Germany is facing critically low natural gas storage levels, reaching a point not seen since data collection began 15 years ago. As of September 21, 2026, storage levels stood at 56.55 percent, which is significantly lower than the European average of approximately 67 to 69 percent. For comparison, levels at this time last year were nearly 14 percentage points higher.

This shortage coincides with rising energy costs, with the European TTF reference price climbing above 79 euros per megawatt-hour, the highest level since early 2023. The situation is exacerbated by geopolitical tensions affecting LNG trade routes.

In response, German Economy Minister Katherina Reiche has requested that state-owned energy companies, including Sefe and Uniper, assist in refilling the reserves. Sefe has already begun purchasing additional natural gas to bolster major storage facilities, such as the large site in Rehden, Lower Saxony.