FX.co ★ Germany to widen search for LNG suppliers

The forecasts that Germany would find itself in a difficult position after the introduction of anti-Russian sanctions and that Germans would have to buy natural gas at sky-high prices in the face of shortage turned out to be wrong. The German government has always been pragmatic. Therefore, Berlin can afford to choose suppliers even at times of turmoil in the energy market.

It recently became known that Germany decided not to buy Qatar’s liquified natural gas (LNG) due to its exorbitant price. It is a matter of price to buy or not to buy natural gas, Robert Habeck, the German economy minister, explained. The country is looking for the best offers. Since Qatar does not make a good offer, potential importers will have to procure gas elsewhere, Robert Habeck said.

Many experts believe that such disagreements between the two countries are part of trade negotiations. This theory is backed by the fact that Germany and Qatar have an energy partnership agreement, so talks will go on.

In mid-August, news broke that Qatar supplied LNG to Italy, not to Germany. Meanwhile, Germany has not seen any LNG deliveries since the countries announced the energy partnership in March.