Gas storage tanks are empty: the Federal Network Agency urgently urges savings
Created: 2022-12-14 4:52 p.m
By: Patricia Huber
The icy weather in Germany empties the gas storage tanks faster than planned.
The Federal Network Agency continues to call on private households to save.
Berlin/Munich – Despite the freezing temperatures, the Federal Network Agency has once again urged the population to save gas.
"Despite the cold, I would ask you to be careful with your gas consumption," said head of the authorities Klaus Müller in the
ZDF
morning show, addressing private households and the economy alike.
Not every room has to be heated and the temperature can be set a little lower.
Germany is still “very, very far away” from a shortage.
Cold wave in Germany: gas storage tanks are emptying quickly
The gas storage facilities in this country are currently well filled, according to the network agency on Wednesday, the filling level was 92.45 percent.
The important Rehden storage facility was 91.48 percent full.
At the moment, "predominantly being stored out", so the stocks are becoming less.
On Monday, the withdrawal amounted to one percentage point - the highest daily value this winter.
This is also due to the temperatures.
December could be one of the coldest in the past ten years, said Müller, adding with regard to Monday's withdrawal: "It should now remain an outlier."
Federal Network Agency boss: Private households consume more gas than planned
In both areas - both in the economy and in private households - the savings targets "that we have set ourselves" are currently not being achieved," Müller continued.
"It will become critical if we don't achieve the minus 20 percent savings over the whole winter."
Especially in the private sector, more gas is currently being consumed than hoped, said Müller on ZDF.
Therefore, the motto is: "Be careful with the heating in your own four walls".
However, a shortage is not to be expected.
Germany has “really well taken care of” to be able to compensate for the current additional consumption.
However, this should not continue in January and February.
Avoid gas shortages: What is necessary
In order for a shortage to be avoided, according to the assessment of the network agency, three prerequisites are necessary: the savings target of 20 percent compared to the average consumption for the years 2018 to 2021 must be achieved, the LNG terminals must feed in as planned at the beginning of the year and the winter-related decline in Gas imports and increases in gas exports must be moderate.
(
AFP/ph
)
