The contract, which succeeds a partnership expiring at the end of October, marks a significant volume increase for the German importer. Starting November 1, 2026, Trafigura will deliver 30 TWh annually, a jump from the 23 TWh stipulated in the current arrangement. The deal is backed by an Untied Loan Guarantee from the German government, facilitated through the export credit agency Euler Hermes. This financial mechanism is designed to stabilize the long-term delivery of strategic commodities to the country.

SEFE Chief Commercial Officer Frédéric Barnaud noted that the partnership diversifies the company’s sourcing origins and reinforces its role as a reliable energy provider. Despite concerns sparked by current storage data, which shows German reserves lagging behind the broader European average, industry players remain optimistic. VNG, a major importer, stated that Germany’s diversified import capabilities are sufficient to prevent shortages, even as the nation braces for a potential cold snap.