Abstract
Gas storage facilities are a central component for a secure energy supply and therefore for a functioning economy and society. Yet, the market currently offers very few incentives to use gas storage facilities or invest in their maintenance. Since November 2024, however, we have observed negative summer-winter spreads – this means that gas is more expensive in summer than in winter. It is therefore not worthwhile for market players to store gas for the winter in summer months, even though demand is significantly higher in the cold season. The main reason for this reverse price signal is the filling level requirements introduced by the Gas Storage Act during the 2022 energy crisis. Various political and regulatory options for action are being discussed, such as making the fill level targets more flexible, as well as subsidies and the provision of a strategic reserve.