Germany has yet to restore secure gas supply, says INES

Berlin, April 19 (CTK correspondent) – Germany could face a natural gas shortage if the coming winter is very cold, as it has yet to restore security of supply. Sebastian Bleschke, head of the German association of gas and hydrogen storage operators INES, said at a press conference today that Germany still cannot do without full storage facilities and savings in consumption. Bleschke noted that Germany would have no problems in a warm winter and would use only some of its gas reserves, but even with average winter temperatures it could completely empty its storage facilities during the heating season.

„We got through last winter thanks to completely full gas storage facilities, mild temperatures and considerable savings in consumption. But the outlook for the coming winter shows that security of gas supply in Germany has yet to be restored,“ Bleschke said.

„Full storage facilities and substantial savings in consumption will therefore be crucial for the coming winter if temperatures are low,“ he added. Further development of gas infrastructure will also be important, he said, to ensure that additional gas can be delivered during the winter.