Germany not facing fuel supply emergency, security council agrees

Germany is not facing a fuel supply emergency, government sources told dpa on Tuesday after a meeting by the country's National Security Council.

The committee, which comprises government representatives including Chancellor Friedrich Merz as well as security officials and state leaders, met on Monday amid fears in Europe that supplies of key fuels such as kerosene could be running low due to the war in Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

However, kerosene stocks have been deemed sufficient for the "foreseeable future" by the council, sources told dpa, while the government retains options for a rapid response should any supply gaps emerge.

The council is aware of the "tense situation" and will continue to monitor the situation, with a task force set to be expanded, the sources said.

The body also agreed on unspecified “action against the Russian shadow fleet,” a reference to the tankers and cargo ships that Moscow uses to circumvent sanctions, for example in oil transport, and which operate in German territorial waters. 

The European Union has long warned that ships in the shadow fleet could also be used as platforms for launching drones to carry out disruptive or espionage attacks. Details of the measures against the fleet in German territorial waters are not being disclosed for security reasons. 

Chancellor Friedrich Merz unexpectedly announced the meeting on Sunday evening at the Hannover Messe business fair.

“Our goal is clear: the German economy and citizens must be able to rely on the supply of key products such as diesel, petrol and aviation fuel remaining secure,” he said.