German economy minister orders state firm to boost winter gas purchases

Federal Economy Minister Katherina Reiche has ordered the state-owned energy company Securing Energy for Europe (Sefe) to purchase 8 TWh of gas for the winter, marking a shift from her previous market-based approach. A ministry spokesperson explained that Sefe will determine when and in what quantities to buy the gas, aiming to prevent market distortions. German gas storage is currently far below the level needed for the heating period, a situation aggravated by the war in Ukraine and the conflict in Iran.

Opposition figures, including Green MP Michael Kellner and Left Party spokesperson Jörg Cezanne, argued the decision comes too late and called for greater energy independence. Industry association BDEW noted that many firms have relied on spot-market purchases, increasing price volatility.