Germany's gas reserves plummet amid severe winter freeze

Germany's natural gas storage levels have dropped precipitously to just under 33% of capacity, raising alarms about energy security during one of the coldest winters in recent memory. Data shows reserves stood at 32.9% as of February 1, 2026—a significant decline from 56.4% at the same time last year and approximately 57% in late December. The sharp drawdown is attributed to intense heating demand, exposing vulnerabilities in the nation's energy strategy and igniting a political dispute over preparedness.

Political clash over preparedness and response

The rapidly depleting reserves have triggered criticism from the opposition. Michael Kellner, the Green Party's energy policy spokesman, accused the government of being "poorly prepared" and called for immediate public appeals to save gas to avert a larger crisis. "We are shivering our way through this winter," he stated in a television interview, highlighting the tension between political rhetoric and the practical realities of a harsh winter. In contrast, Economy Minister Katherina Reiche downplayed concerns, asserting that "there is no reason for concern" and emphasizing the government's daily monitoring of the situation.

Reliance on LNG imports and the legacy of Russian gas

Minister Reiche's confidence stems from Germany's expanded capacity to import liquefied natural gas (LNG) from global markets. Since the nation cut off Russian gas imports following the war in Ukraine in 2022, it has undergone a fundamental energy pivot. Before the conflict, Russia supplied nearly 55% of Germany's natural gas. The country has since turned to more expensive alternatives from Norway, the Netherlands, and Belgium, with the bulk of its LNG now sourced from the United States. These imports, processed through terminals in neighboring countries, are crucial for filling the gap left by Russian pipelines, though they come at a higher economic cost.

Broader energy security context and regional stability

The situation in Germany underscores the ongoing challenges Europe faces in achieving energy independence and price stability after severing ties with its largest supplier. For other nations, including Türkiye, which also navigates complex energy import dependencies and seeks to become a regional gas hub, Germany's experience serves as a critical case study. It highlights the geopolitical and economic trade-offs involved in securing energy supplies, the importance of diversified sources and storage infrastructure, and the delicate balance between short-term crisis management and long-term strategic planning for energy transition.