(Updates with Sefe's statement)
Germany is in talks with state-owned gas companies Uniper (UN0.F) and Securing Energy for Europe, or Sefe, on ways to expand the country's unusually low natural gas inventories without direct government intervention, Bloomberg News reported Monday, citing people familiar with the matter.
The discussions reportedly focus on options for the two companies to support stockpiling efforts, as Germany's gas storage facilities are about 54% full, the lowest level for this point in the year since 2009. The talks do not involve a formal mandate for the companies to purchase gas on the government's behalf, according to the report.
Sefe toldthat security of supply is a core part of its mandate and that it contributes to Germany and Europe's energy security through its activities across the gas value chain. It added that it maintains dialogue with market participants and relevant authorities.
The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy and Uniper did not immediately respond to' requests for comment.
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