Gas consumption in Germany increased 7% year-on-year to an average of 3.54 TWh/d in the week ending November 24, according to data released by Germany's energy regulator, the Bundesnetzagentur. Despite this increase, these levels remain below the pre-crisis average of 3.81 TWh/d recorded over the same period between 2018 and 2021.
Since 2022, gas consumption in Germany has remained well below pre-crisis levels, reflecting falling demand caused by high costs and efforts to save energy. Consumption peaks, however, occurred during periods of unusual cold or low renewable energy production, such as in January and April of this year.
Differentiated trends according to sectors
During the week analyzed, industrial demand, including consumption linked to electricity production, decreased to reach an average of 1.8 TWh/d, down from 1.86 TWh/d of the previous week. In contrast, gas use by households and small businesses jumped 23%, reaching 1.74 TWh/d. This peak is attributed to the drop in temperatures recorded over the period.
Impact of high prices
This increase in consumption occurs in a context of high prices on European markets. The benchmark gas price on the Dutch TTF hub was assessed at €48.58/MWh on November 21, reaching its highest level since November 2023. Although the price fell slightly to €46.37/MWh on the 28th. November, it remains significantly above the levels observed before the energy crisis.
Stock status and concerns for the future
Gas stocks in Germany are currently filled to 92% of capacity, a slight decline from the 94% recorded the previous week. The country had reached its 95% filling objective by the end of August, ahead of the schedule imposed by law. However, the outlook for summer 2025 has industry players concerned. INES, a specialist industry group, reported that current price signals do not provide strong incentives to inject gas into inventories for the coming months.
Germany nevertheless remains the leader in terms of storage capacity within the European Union. With strict rules in place until 2027, such as the requirement to fill 85% of capacity by October 1 and 95% by November 1 each year, the country continues to play a crucial role in the region's energy security.
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