Germany plans to use market incentives rather than direct state gas purchases to strengthen winter gas supplies as storage levels remain at their lowest seasonal point in 15 years. Economy Minister Katherina Reiche's ministry plans to increase an autumn tender for Long Term Options (LTOs), contracts securing potential future gas deliveries, by an undetermined volume. Trading Hub Europe, Germany's nationwide gas market coordinator, uses LTOs to secure deliveries from traders for possible later use. The government has agreed with state-owned energy companies Uniper and SEFE to make fuller use of their storage capabilities, but both companies emphasized that their own commercial assessments will determine how the facilities are used. SEFE said it had independently decided to fill its booked capacity, while Uniper said storage decisions would be based solely on economic criteria. Germany's storage sites were around 53% full in early September, the lowest level for that time of year since records began 15 years ago. European gas prices reached their highest level since December 2022 this week as concerns over Middle East supply disruptions tightened the market. The Economy Ministry said it would consider targeted measures if supply security deteriorates, while maintaining that winter preparedness is primarily the responsibility of the market and energy companies.