This ordinance, issued under the 1975 Energy Security Act, provides a legal framework to secure gas supply in Germany during supply crises. It empowers designated authorities to issue binding orders to producers, suppliers, transporters, storage operators, and large consumers to regulate production, procurement, storage, allocation, use, imports, and exports of gas, ensuring coverage of vital needs while limiting interventions to what is strictly necessary. Network shutdowns are allowed only as a last resort and must minimize impacts on essential services. A digital platform administered by the market area manager enables registration, reporting, and data sharing by all relevant parties and supports EU solidarity measures. Authorities may require contractual amendments, substitute their own decisions when needed, and enforce compliance through administrative penalties.