Germany prepared for gas import shortfalls-industry

FRANKFURT, Jan 6 (Reuters) - Germany is prepared for gas import shortfalls, a key energy industry body said on Tuesday, while parts of south-east Europe were left without much Russian gas due to a row between Russia and transit country Ukraine.

"The supply situation is under control, consumers need not worry," said a spokesman in Berlin for industry association BDEW, which groups more than 1,000 power and gas companies.

After several mild winters Germany has stockpiled vast amounts of gas in its 20 billion cubic metres (cbm) storage facilities, which gives it a lead in European storage.

Experts say that even under extreme conditions, full reserves could stretch to two months of usage.

The remarks came amid cold, but not untypical, weather in Europe's biggest economy, where Russia is the single largest gas supplier with over 40 percent.

Weather reports put average daytime temperatures at sub-zero degrees Celsius and up to minus 15 in some parts of the country.

But by next week, temperatures are due to regain long-term averages.

Leading importers E.ON-Ruhrgas (EONGn.DE) and Wingas (BASF.DE) did not immediately return calls about the supply situation on Tuesday but sounded relaxed a day earlier, citing full stores and alternative supplier countries.

A spokeswoman for RWE (RWEG.DE) utility said on Tuesday supply for its customers was safe.