The German Ministry of Economy said that at the beginning of winter, gas storage levels between 60% and 70% were sufficient, which meant that Germany, Europe's largest energy consumer, had a weak buffer against supply disruptions. “At the beginning of winter, inventory levels are expected to be between 60% and 70%, plus additional import capacity, which is generally sufficient to meet average winter demand,” the department said in a statement on Thursday. The statement also added that the government “can and will respond” if security of supply is threatened.

The German Ministry of Economy said that at the beginning of winter, gas storage levels between 60% and 70% were sufficient, which meant that Germany, Europe's largest energy consumer, had a weak buffer against supply disruptions. “At the beginning of winter, inventory levels are expected to be between 60% and 70%, plus additional import capacity, which is generally sufficient to meet average winter demand,” the department said in a statement on Thursday. The statement also added that the government “can and will respond” if security of supply is threatened.