Federal authorities have scaled back the Gas emergency alert level, shifting it from a high alert to an early warning status.
In a significant move signaling a more stable gas supply outlook, Germany has lowered its Emergency Gas Plan alert level from the alarm level to the early warning stage as of July 1, 2025 [1]. This adjustment reflects progress in reducing reliance on Russian gas, better supply diversification, and effective storage management, although prices and storage levels still warrant caution.
The early warning stage is the first of three crisis levels in the German gas emergency plan [2]. At this stage, the government does not intervene directly in the gas market; rather, market-based mechanisms are relied upon to ensure supply, such as the use of gas storage, procurement flexibility, load flow optimization, and external balancing energy requests [2].
Germany no longer imports pipeline gas from Russia or receives Russian liquefied natural gas at its LNG terminals [1]. While gas storage levels remain about 50% below those of previous years, storage replenishment activity has increased significantly [1]. Gas prices have stabilized around 34 euros per megawatt hour, which is still roughly double the pre-crisis prices before the Ukraine war triggered the energy crisis [1].
The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) convenes a crisis team including authorities and energy suppliers to monitor the situation closely [2]. Gas suppliers and pipeline operators must regularly assess and report the supply situation to the government [2]. While the risk is lower than during the alarm level, the government maintains vigilance to respond promptly if conditions worsen [1][2].
The strategies implemented have been successful in diversifying the gas supply in Germany. New supply routes for gas have been established through LNG infrastructure in Germany [1]. The goal is to be able to react quickly if necessary [2]. The government deems the gas supply secure and has ruled out the need for forcibly refilling storage through government interventions at this stage [1].
Robert Habeck, Reiche's predecessor, declared the alert stage on June 23 due to reduced Russian gas supplies [1]. However, Reiche stated that they have successfully overcome the energy crisis caused by the Russian war of aggression [1]. The strategies implemented have been successful in stabilizing gas prices and ensuring gas storage contributes to overall supply security in Germany [1].
The emergency plan, which has three escalation stages: early warning, alert, and emergency, allows for preparedness without immediate government intervention, keeping emergency measures as a last resort [1][2]. Measures such as additional tenders for storage injections or government purchase of gas only come into play at higher alert stages if market mechanisms fail [2].
The lowering of the alert level is a testament to the success of the strategies implemented to address the energy crisis caused by the Russian war of aggression. Germany continues to monitor the gas market closely and maintains a watchful eye on developments amid ongoing geopolitical and market uncertainties [1][2].
State aid might be utilized by the German government to further incentivize energy suppliers and pipeline operators to enhance their gas storage capacities and improve their procurement flexibility, ensuring a more stable supply during the general-news period of increased market uncertainties and potential Russian political maneuvers. The successful implementation of such state aid could help reduce Germany's reliance on single-source gas supplies and further diversify its energy portfolio.
