Germany could run out of gas in February according to the gas agency. Experts say that Germany needs to reduce its consumption by 30% to get through the crisis.
Germany may need to reduce its gas consumption by up to 30% if it wants to survive the winter without any major disruptions. However, the gas agency of Germany has expressed concerns that the country could run out of hydrocarbons by February.
Despite Robert Habeck, the country’s climate and economic minister, making similar warnings earlier in the month, the Chancellor of Germany seems to have dismissed such a reality. He told the European Parliament earlier today, that Germany was “well prepared” for winter.
According to Die Welt, Germany’s Federal Network Agency (the watchdog responsible for regulating electricity and gas in Germany) has confirmed that Germany could run out of gas in the coming winter.
This shortage can be avoided if Germany cuts its gas consumption by at least 20% and is able get enough liquified gas (LNG). If exports continue to remain low, the country may run out of gas before February ends.
Worse, experts think that the target of 20% is too low. A reduction of gas consumption of at least 30% on the previous year is necessary to reduce the negative economic and social impact of Germany’s shortages.
Gunnar Luderer (deputy head of federally funded Ariadne), stated that 30% of gas consumption must be reduced from before the crisis.
Research also shows that, while the country’s industry has seen a reduction in gas usage of around 20%, the public has not noticed a drop in gas consumption. This suggests that Germany could still have trouble reaching its 20% reduction goal or even the 30% reduction that some believe is necessary.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz boasted to the European Union that his country is now “free” from dependence on Russian gas, despite this warning and the fact that a German minister has warned that Germany could run out gas within the next months.
Scholz stated to the European Parliament that “we as a country have made certain through the measures taken over the past weeks and months that [we] can say with optimism] that together we will get through this winter.” Scholz spoke between brief bursts of thunderous applause.
While the Chancellor was able to praise the achievements of his government, he did not address the ongoing problems in the country. There are mass-insolvencies in businesses and empty shelves at supermarkets due to inflation.
