Key facts
- Germany's LNG imports reached 12% of its total gas supply in the first half of the year.
- The United States is Germany's primary source of LNG.
- Global LNG production slightly increased by May 2026 compared to the previous year.
- Despite disruptions, Germany's gas supply is considered stable with low risk.
- German industrial gas demand has decreased due to volatile prices.
Germany has increased its reliance on American liquefied natural gas (LNG) to maintain its energy supply amidst disruptions in the Middle East. In the first half of the year, LNG imports constituted 12% of Germany's total gas supply, a rise from 10% a year prior, according to data from the German regulator, Bundesnetzagentur.
Despite the closure of the Strait of Hormuz impacting supply routes from Qatar and the UAE, and Qatar halting liquefaction due to Iranian missile strikes, Germany has secured more supply from the United States. The German regulator stated that gas from the Persian Gulf plays a minor role in Germany's supply, with the US being the primary LNG provider.
Globally, LNG liquefaction volumes saw a slight increase by May 2026, reaching approximately 1.59 billion cubic meters per day, up from 1.56 billion cubic meters per day in May 2025. Bundesnetzagentur assesses Germany's current gas supply as stable and the risk to supply as low.
However, the volatile gas prices have led to a slump in Germany's industrial gas demand since the conflict began, signaling potential challenges for German industry's global competitiveness. Uniper, a major LNG importer, previously expressed confidence in diversifying imports and noted that sourcing from the US was the most economical solution, though its Chief Commercial Officer emphasized the need for further supply diversification to manage risks.