Russia's sanctions against Gazprom Germania and its subsidiaries could cost German taxpayers and gas consumers an additional 5 billion euros a year to pay for gas replacements, weekly Welt am Sonntag reports, citing industry representatives.

In May, Russia decided to stop deliveries to Gazprom Germany, a former subsidiary of Gazprom in Germany, after Berlin handed over the company to a trust.

Since then, energy regulator Bundesnetzagentur, acting as trustee, has been forced to buy replacement gas on the market to fulfill supply contracts with German utilities and regional suppliers.

According to the Ministry of Economy, an additional 10 million cubic meters per day is required. Volumes are purchased on the market and at market prices. No information on exact quantities can be provided for reasons of commercial confidentiality.

Welt am Sonntag said the current cost would be around 3.5 billion euros per year, and additional costs could arise from the filling of the Rehden natural gas storage facility.

From October, additional costs will be passed on to energy suppliers and end consumers in the form of a gas tax.