Gas expert Sebastian Gulbis underscores the ongoing importance of LNG for Europe's energy security, noting a shift from Russian pipeline gas to increased imports from the US and Middle East, which is expected to continue.

The rising global market prices for LNG, now higher than pre-crisis levels, are forcing Germany to pay market rates and compete with Asian markets, raising concerns about energy affordability.

Gulbis dismisses concerns about Russian LNG reaching Germany via terminals, stating there is no evidence of such shipments and no EU embargo on Russian gas.

Expansion work at the Rügen LNG terminal was temporarily halted due to port deepening and infrastructure upgrades but is anticipated to resume normal operations in the fourth quarter.

Despite initial protests, LNG terminals in Germany are now actively used to reduce dependence on Russian gas, although some facilities, like Rügen, faced recent operational restrictions during upgrades.

Germany's gas storage levels are currently around 76% capacity, raising concerns about supply security during winter, with energy companies warning of potential risks if levels fall further.

From January to September 2025, Germany imported approximately 74 terawatt-hours of LNG, surpassing the total imports of 69 TWh in 2024 and 70 TWh in 2023, indicating a significant increase in reliance.

LNG imports mainly come through the North Sea terminals in Wilhelmshaven and Brunsbüttel, which supplied about 33 TWh in the third quarter, with Rügen contributing an additional 2 TWh, though its capacity was temporarily limited.

Germany has become a key transit hub for gas supplies to neighboring countries such as Austria, Czechia, Switzerland, Hungary, Slovakia, and Slovenia, especially after Russian transport contracts expired at the start of 2025.