Germany’s gas storage facilities are at their lowest level for this time of year since records began in 2011, according to gas storage group INES.

“The current gas storage level is by far the lowest ever recorded for this time of year in Germany,” Sebastian Heinermann, managing director of INES, told dpa. “It is therefore a historic low.”

Storage facilities are currently around 49% full, compared with 67% at the same point last year. Despite the decline, Germany’s Economy Ministry said a gas shortage was not expected over the winter based on current information.

The ministry acknowledged that storage levels were significantly below previous years but stressed that supply security depends on more than storage volumes.

Germany can also rely on pipeline imports from Norway, liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals and supplies from neighbouring European countries.