German energy supply secure “for the time being” – Merz

Germany does not face an imminent energy shortage as a result of the Iran war, according to chancellor Friedrich Merz. "For the time being, the market situation is tight, but supplies are secure," the conservative (CDU) politician told attendees of the industry fair Hannover Messe, reported Table.Media. 

Merz added that the government is “prepared to take measures” should “the situation worsen,” with an upcoming meeting of the National Security Council to decide on what those measures could be. The International Energy Agency (IEA) has warned that kerosene reserves in Europe will only last a few more weeks, and Italy is already experiencing shortages, according to the report.

In response to the energy price spike, the government has introduced a temporary tax cut for petrol and diesel, limited price the number of price increases allowed at the pump to one per day, and plans to convene the National Security Council. But the longer-term impacts on energy policy remain unclear.

Members of the CDU's coalition government partner, the Social Democrats (SPD), criticised the chancellor's crisis response. Foreign policy spokesperson Adis Ahmetovic told Table.Media there was “still a significant need for improvement” when it comes to early crisis detection. The minority party in the governing coalition has also written a letter to Merz calling for federal-state consultations like those held during the COVID-19 pandemic and 2022 energy crisis. 

“There simply must now be very clear and well-organised coordination between the federal government, the states, and the municipalities,” SPD secretary general Tim Klüssendorf told Die Zeit. Klüssendorf also said that renewable energy should be discussed as a solution, as well as a price cap on energy prices and a speed limit.