The German Bundestag has passed a law to eliminate the gas transport fee for cross-border deliveries starting January 1, 2025. The decision, supported by the SPD, the Greens, and the opposition Union, amends the Energy Industry Act and also removes the gas storage levy for foreign countries. This change follows complaints from Austria and several Eastern European countries that the levy increased delivery costs and hindered efforts to reduce dependency on Russian gas.

This decision is a significant financial relief for Austria. According to Georg Knill, President of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (IV), if Austria had replaced Russian gas completely with supplies via Germany after OMV’s exit from the Gazprom contract, the cost of the gas storage levy would have amounted to 1 million euros per day. The fee was introduced by Germany during the energy crisis.

Following an EU Commission review, the Brussels authority concluded that the levy should be amended. Starting in January 2025, the levy will only be charged for gas withdrawals within Germany, and it will no longer be imposed at border crossing points. The German Bundesrat approved the legislative change shortly afterward.

Environmental Minister Leonore Gewessler (Greens) had previously threatened legal action before the European Court of Justice over the levy. The fee was set to increase by 20% to 2.99 euros per megawatt-hour, exacerbating the situation.

Positive Impact on Austrian Economy

Austrian businesses welcomed the decision. Economics Minister Martin Kocher (ÖVP) stated that the removal of the gas storage levy for foreign deliveries would “positively impact the competitiveness of our industry and the financial situation of our households.” He emphasized that this was an important step, particularly as Austria seeks to reduce reliance on Russian gas.

Karlheinz Kopf, Secretary-General of the Austrian Chamber of Commerce (WKÖ), called the move a “major success” and a “significant step towards diversifying gas supplies.” He noted that Austria’s economy is under pressure due to already high energy costs.

Michael Mock, Managing Director of the Gas and Heat Supply Association (FGW), also praised the decision, saying it provided “real relief” in light of the potential end of Russian gas supplies due to the non-renewal of the gas transit contract by Ukraine at the end of the year.