Merz to convene National Security Council on energy supply amid Iran war concerns
Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he will summon the National Security Council to address energy supply stability after tensions from the Iran war; a cross-department taskforce and kerosene talks have been launched.
Germany’s chancellor announced at the Hannover Messe on Sunday, April 19, 2026, that the government will soon convene the National Security Council to assess and secure the country’s energy supply. Merz described the market as “tense” but stressed that supply in Germany remains secured for the moment. He tied the steps to concerns arising from the Iran war and emphasized readiness to act should the situation worsen.
Merz frames National Security Council meeting as immediate priority
The chancellor said the NSC session will be convened in Berlin “very soon” to focus explicitly on ensuring continuity of supply for central fuels and industrial inputs. He made clear the goal: businesses and citizens must be able to rely on stable deliveries of diesel, petrol and aviation fuels. Merz’s remarks were delivered at the opening of the Hannover Messe and framed the meeting as a preventative measure rather than an admission of impending shortages.
Economy Ministry sets up cross-department energy taskforce
Federal Economy Minister Katherina Reiche has already established a cross-departmental taskforce on energy supply that is operating continuously, the government said. The taskforce is designed to coordinate between ministries, regulatory agencies and industry, consolidating monitoring, contingency planning and rapid response. Reiche has publicly reassured markets that, for now, supplies are stable while preparing mechanisms to address disruptions if they materialize.
Transport and Economy ministries invite airports and airlines to kerosene talks
The Economy Ministry reported that it and the Federal Ministry of Transport invited fuel suppliers, airport operators, airlines and trade associations to a meeting on kerosene supply on Monday, April 20, 2026. The session aims to review inventory levels, logistical bottlenecks and demand projections for aviation fuel ahead of the summer travel season. Officials said the discussion will include possible operational measures to ensure uninterrupted flight operations if supply conditions deteriorate.
Government signals close coordination with European partners and agencies
Merz underlined Germany’s ongoing exchanges with European partners and relevant authorities, saying Brussels and national counterparts are being kept in close contact. The government intends to “use all instruments to guarantee stability,” a phrase officials have used to encompass strategic fuel stocks, export controls and logistical support. European cooperation is expected to centre on information sharing, joint contingency planning and mechanisms to prevent spillovers between markets.
Contingency options and economic assurances to industry and consumers
While avoiding detailed descriptions of specific measures, the chancellor and ministers stressed preparedness to deploy targeted interventions if needed. Officials cited strategic reserves, prioritisation schemes for critical sectors and accelerated logistics planning as potential tools, while also stressing the importance of keeping markets functioning. Businesses in transport, logistics and manufacturing were urged to review their own contingency plans and remain in close contact with ministry taskforces.
Germany’s political leadership framed the announcements as precautionary steps to prevent disruption rather than as an immediate crisis declaration. Authorities will monitor developments closely and report outcomes of the National Security Council session and the kerosene meeting to the public, with the stated aim of maintaining transparency while safeguarding supply chains.
