The German government on Friday dismissed accusations from Italy regarding insufficient natural gas storage ahead of winter, which Italy claims has contributed to rising import costs. The German Economy and Energy Ministry characterized the allegations as “unfounded,” according to Reuters.
European governments are grappling with the challenge of shielding consumers from soaring energy costs and inflation, driven by ongoing conflicts in regions such as Iran, Ukraine, and Yemen, which have resulted in skyrocketing oil and natural gas prices.
Prices have surged to approximately three times their levels from late February, coinciding with the outbreak of Middle Eastern hostilities following the US-Israel joint operation against Iran.
An Italian official stated on Thursday that Rome has spent hundreds of millions of euros to fill its natural gas reserves before the cold season.
Germany has postponed building its gas reserves, shifting focus towards the privatization of its energy companies, Uniper and SEFE, which are crucial in the filling process, according to an energy analyst who spoke at the same conference.
“We Firmly Reject”
A spokesperson for the German Economy Ministry firmly rejected the accusation that SEFE’s procurement and storage of natural gas are driving up prices in Europe. They stated, “The claim that Germany neglected filling storage facilities during the privatization of SEFE and Uniper is unfounded.”
The spokesperson further explained that SEFE has been instructed to source gas from outside the EU whenever possible, thereby minimizing the impact on European markets and natural gas prices.
They assured that gas storage levels across Europe are adequate, even in the event of an exceptionally cold winter, noting that while storage facilities are important, Germany and the EU have access to alternatives such as liquefied natural gas (LNG) and pipeline imports, supported by a well-integrated natural gas network.
Situation in Romania
In Romania, gas storage levels exceed the European average and the target of 80%, with residential consumers assured in terms of both price and availability, as are centralized heating systems, stated Cristian Bușoi, Secretary of State in the Ministry of Energy, at the Natural Gas Forum on October 12, reported Agerpres.
Gas prices have doubled in October 2026 compared to the same period last year, primarily due to the Middle Eastern conflict, Bușoi emphasized.
Romania has extended its price cap on natural gas for residential consumers until March 31, 2027.
