German Conservatives Want Stronger State Role In Gas Storage

Germany’s conservatives are pushing for the state to take a stronger role in securing gas reserves to avoid shutdowns, a sign that the issue is becoming more politically charged as filling levels across Europe are critically low.

“When it comes to security of supply, we must play it safe,” a parliamentary group representing the center-right CDU/CSU alliance wrote in a paper cited by the magazine Capital. It warned that geopolitical risks or severe supply shocks could cause market failure. So far, economy minister Katherina Reiche has opposed any state intervention in the gas market.