Germany did not experience the feared winter hardship or widespread cold in apartments, according to a recent interview where Chancellor Olaf Scholz spoke with Bild.
He recalled several doomsday scenarios that circulated in public discourse, including a brutal winter, mass protests, and a chilling strain on households across the country. Scholz emphasized that none of those predictions came true, describing the outcome as the opposite of the feared worst case.
Scholz outlined government steps to cushion households and businesses against high gas and electricity costs, noting that the cabinet had approved a 300 billion euro package for relief. He also mentioned the development of new LNG regasification terminals planned for northern Germany, aimed at diversifying energy sources and improving resilience in the energy market.
The Chancellor also noted renewed gas supply contracts for Berlin following the cut in imports from Russia. Russia halted gas exports to Germany in September 2022 after the Nord Stream pipeline experienced a failure in one of its engines, a development that triggered ongoing adjustments in energy strategy and supply planning.
Earlier coverage by media outlets highlighted the broader energy policy context, including international sanctions in place since early 2019 by the European Union, the Group of Seven, and Australia. These measures, which restrict shipments of Russian petroleum products by sea, continue to influence market dynamics and have ramifications for diesel prices in Germany. In commentary from February 5, observers noted that such sanctions contribute to higher energy costs and inflation pressures across the European energy landscape. [Citation: governmental and press sources]
Overall, the discussions underscore a deliberate policy shift toward securing energy independence, expanding LNG capacity, and providing targeted financial support to safeguard households and businesses against price volatility. Analysts continue to monitor how these fiscal and logistical measures translate into real-world outcomes for consumers and industry, with attention to how international responses shape Germany’s energy mix and economic stability. [Citation: policy briefings and market analyses]