Bundesnetzagentur boss Müller: “Can’t give the all-clear yet”

The worst scenario – a definitive stop to gas supplies from Russia – did not happen, according to Bundesnetzagentur boss Müller tagesschau24. But he sees no reason to give the all-clear.

The head of the Federal Network Agency, Klaus Müller, was overjoyed despite the resumption of gas deliveries through the Baltic Sea pipeline. “Despite all the relief that one might feel with the 40 percent: We are missing 60 percent that were actually intended for private households in the contracts of the energy importers, in the calculations of the industry,” said Müller in the tagesschau24-Interview. “In this respect, I would like to put the relief into perspective.”

With a capacity utilization of around 40 percent since 8:00 a.m., the gas flows are roughly at the same level as before the maintenance work. This corresponds to the original nomination from the previous day. “Only: Does that apply tomorrow? Does that apply the day after tomorrow?” said Müller. “After the statements made by President Putin, one must have doubts. In this respect, we cannot yet give the all-clear.”

A question of political will

Before resuming gas supplies via Nord Stream 1, Putin even warned against a further reduction in supply volumes, which had already been curtailed. On the sidelines of a summit in Tehran, Putin said that the energy company Gazprom would “fully” fulfill its obligations. However, should a missing turbine repaired in Canada not arrive in Russia, only about 30 million cubic meters of gas per day could be delivered.

The turbine is on the way, Müller continues. Nevertheless, it is primarily a question of political will to increase gas supplies again.

prevent gas shortage

Müller warned that a gas shortage must be prevented at all costs: “If we want to avoid a gas emergency, if we want to avoid gas storage levels that are too low after the winter, Germany must continue to procure gas, diversify and save at the same time.”