Gas storage policy as a component of supply security

Germany needs a more flexible system for filling gas storage facilities. The German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) analyses four models and advocates a mix of instruments comprising an obligation to secure supply and a strategic reserve – market-based, compatible with European standards, and cost-efficient.

German gas storage facilities had a fill level of around 20 percent in mid-February 2026. This shows that, following the energy crises due to Russia's war against Ukraine and the Iran war, supply bottlenecks are no longer a theoretical risk this winter. In an impulse paper, the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) highlights points to consider to achieve stability for the winter of 2026/27 – and a fundamentally revised system for the winter of 2027/28.

Under the heading "Gas storage policy as a component of supply security," the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) analyses

the current German regulation, which combines statutory fill level requirements with the role of the market area manager,
the obligation to secure supply (Absicherungspflicht), ensuring supply security to the required extent,
the strategic gas reserve, outside of which market mechanisms remain intact, and
regulated gas storage (French model) with comprehensive regulatory requirements.

Bolay_test — Dr. Sebastian Bolay

-- Managing Director Energy, Environment, Industry

Recommended two-step approach

In conclusion, the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) advocates for a two-step approach: Initially, it suggests maintaining the current system. The storage season has already begun, and short-term changes would cause additional uncertainties, according to the rationale. For the winter of 2027/28, it recommends establishing a market-oriented and European-compatible system based on a mix of instruments comprising an obligation to secure supply and a streamlined strategic gas reserve.

Die Forderungen der DIHK im Überblick

Das ist nach Auffassung der DIHK zu tun:

kurzfristig: Beibehaltung der 80-Prozent-Füllstandsvorgabe zum 1. November 2026 – Stabilität vor Systemwechsel
mittelfristig: Einführung einer Absicherungspflicht für Lieferanten kombiniert mit einer schlank ausgestalteten strategischen Gasreserve – für den Winter 2027/28
europäisch: EU-weite Koordinierung der Gasspeicherpolitik, da nationale Alleingänge zu kurz greifen
strukturell: Stärkung von Preissignalen statt dauerhafter staatlicher Markteingriffe
politisch: Gesetzliche Festlegung der neuen Rahmenbedingungen bis spätestens 31. Dezember 2026