Germany Faces Financial Strains Amid Lower Gas Storage Levels in 2025

Germany is navigating financially challenging times in 2025 while contending with below-average gas storage levels that add complexity to its energy security. Finance Minister and SPD chairman Lars Klingbeil warned citizens that they would feel the need for savings due to the tough financial years ahead. In an interview on ZDF's "Das Jahr 2025," Klingbeil stressed that, while Germany is not bankrupt and the problems are solvable, achieving savings of 60 billion euros by 2028 will inevitably impact the population. He emphasized fairness in any austerity measures, stating, "Everyone will see: everyone contributes their part and not just one group." Klingbeil also called for the SPD to embrace change rather than cling to the status quo, advocating social democracy’s role in leading transformation.

Parallel to fiscal concerns, Germany’s gas storage stood at 62.07% as of December 17, 2025, significantly below the European average of 69.29%, and lower than previous years. This figure poses challenges given that fully stocked storage can only cover Germany’s gas needs for about two cold winter months. The country’s gas consumption increased by 3.5% to 844 TWh in 2024 compared to 811.5 TWh in 2023, with households and businesses accounting for 39% and industrial clients for 61% of consumption. Despite storage deficits, the Bundesnetzagentur has assured the public that gas supply remains stable.

Since the European Union aims to stop importing gas from Russia by the end of 2027, Germany has shifted its dependency, with Norway emerging as the main supplier, replacing Russia. Germany’s total gas storage capacity is about 23 billion cubic meters, ranking fourth worldwide. New regulations require filling storage to 75% by September 1, 85% by October 1, and 95% by November 1, targets currently unmet.

Together, these financial and energy supply challenges underscore the tightrope Germany is walking as it prepares for a demanding winter and a fiscally restrictive future. Klingbeil’s message resonates: while solutions exist, all segments of society must contribute to overcoming these hurdles.